More of a RE-build Thread

[blindeyed]

As you guys can tell, this has been a relatively slow rebuild process for me. Only have 2 days off a week that I can work on it, and sometimes I"m really just not up for it. Current operation: Replacing worn out suspension components. This includes the lower ball joints, lower control arm bushings, idler arm bushings, and strut rod bushings. Recently added to this list is the wheel bearings, and tie rod end boots. Will probably be adding more as more is discovered, or if there are any other things (not horribly expensive ) that you guys might recommend to go ahead and nip in the but while I'm at this.

Made some progress today though. Was able to finally get the lower control arm free, after much time spent beating the bejesus out of the lower ball joint. I ended up placing the jack underneath the lower control arm (which I should had had their to begin with anyway! duh!). That in turn relieved the stress being put on the ball joint by the spring, and a few taps the joint fell right out. Would have used a spring compressor for this, but no auto part store carried one that would work.. So I had to wing it.

So then I was able to get the lower control arm bushings replaced, after the old ones literally crumbled out. Then I got the lower ball joint replaced. After that I had to figure out how to get the spring back in its place. That turned out to be the easiest part surprisingly. I set it back on top of the LCA, and used my floor jack to lift it up. At this point the truck also started lifting with it. I've been told I'd probably need someone to sit on the hood to help weigh it down. Turns out I got lucky and didn't need to. I just kept lifting and eventually it compressed the spring enough and the top bolt of the ball joint slid right into the knuckle. Threw the nut on, and lowered her back down.. easy peazy.

All I have left to do on that side is the idler arm and strut rod bushings, then replace the wheel bearings as I discovered they are making a faint grinding sound. Then I get to do it all over again on the other side!! If anyone is interested in a write up of this process, along with some pictures, let me know. I'd have no problem at all doing that. I know the Haynes manuals only help so much before you need some first hand, non-generic guidance.

[Rickdees]

So then I was able to get the lower control arm bushings replaced, after the old ones literally crumbled out.

Now your getting to know your truck. When I pulled mine a part I found on both sides 70% gone. Get yourself a Pickle fork from autozone
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Tie-Ro...Fork,9376.html
They come in handy every now and then.