So back to the story: 16 year old bushings can be blamed for the trouble I am having keeping the truck aligned. I have the truck aligned every Spring whether it needs it or not but last year I had to go back 3 times to have it "fine tuned"...and it's still squirrelly and chewing up tires on the outside edge. The suspension has settled over the years so even when it's 'in spec' on the rack it's still not correct when on the road. It's time to update! Since October 2010 I have been collecting parts for a more major suspension overhaul.
On the list: replacing every bushing, every ball joint, changing bump stops, replacing the OEM torsion bars with Sway A Way which are close to 4mm thicker and finally lowering the front by about 2". The hope is to have a better than new suspension with a few added perks. New nuts and bolts too! As much stainless as I can source.
Today I began tearing down the passenger front suspension and here's a few random pics in no kind of order.
Still trying to figure out the cleanest way to get the lower control arm bushing out. I have a feeling I will probably have to torch it but I'd like to experiment a little bit first. The lowering blocks come with cheap grade 5 'rust in one week' u-bolts so I ordered a custom set built to dimension by a spring shop in Rochester NY. They should be in my mailbox by Tuesday, just in time for when I hope to begin rebuilding the rear leaf springs. The next few days will be getting the front in good order. By good order I mean, every part cleaned and painted too. I want the work I do it to last years.
