Suspension Rebuild, New Torsions and 2" Drop[56k beware]

[ib4200]

never actually looked at how its mounted, but can it be shimmed down a little?

[Rev_D21]

Shimming is a great idea!

[mrecoolgar]

Hows your drag link ?

[Rev_D21]

Everything on the steering end is new as of last year with the exception of the steering gear itself. I did find some interesting stuff about my truck during the project. First, the driver side has all the camber shims, and some beefy ones at that while the passenger side had none. Two, in order to try and smudge the alignment numbers both torsion bars were cranked to their maximum height by my now former alignment guy, this would reduce negative camber...but I want negative camber!!! This could further explain the reason why it never drove quite right. Thirdly, one of the camber adjustment bolts on the driver side is stripped out and needs to be replaced. I tried tracking some down today but the good hardware store is currently closed. Tomorrow I guess. Lastly, if this project was just about replacing the torsion bars I would have had this done a week ago. No pics today, sorry.

[PhillyHardbody]

Haha gotta love technicians who don't understand how to do things correctly. At least you're getting it all taken care of now, youre gonna LOVE this setup once you're done.

[longtooth]

Haha gotta love technicians who don't understand how to do things correctly. At least you're getting it all taken care of now, youre gonna LOVE this setup once you're done.

Those arent technicians. Those are want to be technicians that are out for a quick buck.

[Rev_D21]

This also explains why the rebound bumper for the upper control arm was broken, excessive ride height causes you to ride on the rebound bump stops just like riding too low causes you to ride on your bound bump stops.

[Rev_D21]

More pics as of 5/22/11:

Take a look at the size of those camber shims! The passenger side had none. The drive side had 2 sets of those monster shims on it. Either something is wrong that I haven't seen yet or the alignments this truck has had are not done properly, I am hoping for the latter.












Got the bushing sleeve pressed out in record time. Still cleaning up the residual rubber. Stopping by work tomorrow to get the lower ball joint pressed out. Should have this one done in less than a week this time.

[Rev_D21]

Well, it's been a while since an update so here's where I am at. Driver side had a bit more rust than the pass side so everything came apart hard. Things stripped out and so forth so it's been more down time than up. It's back together except for the tie rod ends which stripped out while torquing to FSM spec and it's because of crappy grade 5 BS that came with the tie rods last year. I can't stress enough, grade 10.9 metric or grade 8 SAE, nothing but. I ordered Moog tie rod ends to replace the Qsten units I put in last year.

Here's some pics.

Stripped castle nut. It wasn't crossthreaded at all, the threads simply disappeared at 50+ft lbs of torque using my new Snap-On torque wrench.


Sway bar links cleaned up and installed.


Sway a Way torsion in the background.


I am registered to show at a MG vintage show on the 5th of June, will I make the deadline?

[ib4200]

does this thing drive yet?

[MilkMan]

All those new parts look sexy!!

[Rev_D21]

Nope, hasn't driven in 3 weeks. I was about to take it off the jack stands last Sunday when the tie rod end castle nut stripped out on me. Now I am just waiting for parts from RockAuto.

[Rev_D21]

The front end is back together and it is off the jack stands! I repeat, IT'S OFF THE JACK STANDS!!!!!!! It is stiff, very stiff. I didn't drive it far because the alignment is so off it's scary. I took a couple minutes the wash all the dust off of it before putting it back in the garage for more fun rebuilding the rear suspension.

Pics!

NOTE: It is still not lowered yet. I will lower the rear then match the front to it.










Now I am off to start rebuilding the rear suspension then it's time to lower this thing and align it. Can't wait!!

[Rev_D21]

The only things left to do it are setting the front ride height and then aligning it. Here's some pics.

[StephenG]

Looking good buddy. Also, I think your spare tire is upside down in there.

[longtooth]

Spare tire is in the same position as mine and I bought mine new.

[Rev_D21]

I don't know if the spare has ever been down on this truck.

[Rev_D21]

Might tweek the front a little more once it settles. It drives smooth, not harsh like some say ES bushings do. No squeaks and it brakes straight. The alignment is very off which is why I have my s*** tires mounted on the front.

[ib4200]

im jealous, hows it handle?

[StephenG]

Might ought to check your headlight allignment, looks like you lost pretty much all of your rake. They might be aiming a bit to high.

[Rev_D21]

I'll take some more pics tomorrow.

[Rev_D21]

Special thanks to:

Autopart International
Poly Performance
Summit Racing
Dorschel Nissan
Sway A Way Suspension Systems
Hellwig Suspension Systems
Moog Suspension
Daystar Bump Stops
Thruway Spring in Rochester NY
Energy Suspension
McMaster Carr for their excellent stainless collection

[RedRaiderFronty]

6 year old post and it hit the nail on the head. Thanks Rev!