Not an adventure off road but in the driveway. Thought I had it all researched and ready to go , but I just wasn't prepared for it. Btw... The directions were great for the most part. Everything new went on as expected . Now as far as the removal of 12 year old corroded bolts and nuts, keep in mind no torches or impact gun, major pain in the seat.
First fun was with the removal and return of the TC linkage plate. Put me behind schedule 2 hours. But managed to get to the passengers side MML on day 1. Day 2 would be easy and should be right back on schedule. Once again a keep in minder: I'm not 25 so taking my time and not getting frustrated was key.
Day 2 ..... No AC so drivers side should be just as easy . The whole front assembly of tensioners , pumps , alternator etc etc was preventing me from removing the bolt holding the motor mount in place. Did not want to remove it so disconnected the mount from the block with plans to pivot it and easily and confidently remove the bolt. There's is apparently another bolt or something I couldn't see . Wasn't happening. Eventually I stood on top and hacksawed the bolt that needed shortening in place. Now I was only 4 hours off schedule and 2 packs of smokes over budget.
Thank god..... Suspension lifts were my thing back in the day right. (Place your curse word of choice HERE) I used them all . Cut most bolts with grinder that I didn't need to reuse. The shocks I tried to save , but after breaking one decided to buy bolts at Ace and cut the rest off. The top of the shock and nuts kicked my pants. Probably could've grinder through the top of the shock itself, but spent some time with the hacksaw and about 2" of cutting stroke to cut and hammer them off. Could not get the pitman arm removed from the tierod and ended up having enough room to get the springs in with out no problem. So at the end of day 2 I was rear suspension lift short of completion.
I took Monday off and picked through the week figuring to have my first Saturday free all summer. Will admit my research led me to fear the rear shocks and yes it was a worthy fear. 10 gallons of penetrating fluid and a soft touch with 3/8s drive and I had snapped off 2 of the upper bolts.
It was at this moment I gave in and got on line. Yes I cheated An hour later I returned home with a dremel tool , quick release and metal cutting wheels that lasted approximately 3 hours. 75 bucks well spent lol. I don't know what I'd of done with out them next to dropping the gas tank or removing the body lift I just installed.
Saturday morning was fine tuning. Tweaked the front end straight and ended up dropping the TC skid plate 1/2". Still have a vibe so spent last night IDing and replacing a u joint on the front drive shaft. The amount of play was almost unnoticeable but enough that it was the problem. I left the 1/2" on the TC skid plate because the rear drive shaft just looked to steep with out it.
So for the most part I am done. I have some new noises that I'll look for when I check everything this coming weekend and have to rig something for my shifter that's hitting the console , but no hurries. I've had enough driveway mechanics for a bit . Now maybe I'll actually have some time to use it.
First fun was with the removal and return of the TC linkage plate. Put me behind schedule 2 hours. But managed to get to the passengers side MML on day 1. Day 2 would be easy and should be right back on schedule. Once again a keep in minder: I'm not 25 so taking my time and not getting frustrated was key.
Day 2 ..... No AC so drivers side should be just as easy . The whole front assembly of tensioners , pumps , alternator etc etc was preventing me from removing the bolt holding the motor mount in place. Did not want to remove it so disconnected the mount from the block with plans to pivot it and easily and confidently remove the bolt. There's is apparently another bolt or something I couldn't see . Wasn't happening. Eventually I stood on top and hacksawed the bolt that needed shortening in place. Now I was only 4 hours off schedule and 2 packs of smokes over budget.
Thank god..... Suspension lifts were my thing back in the day right. (Place your curse word of choice HERE) I used them all . Cut most bolts with grinder that I didn't need to reuse. The shocks I tried to save , but after breaking one decided to buy bolts at Ace and cut the rest off. The top of the shock and nuts kicked my pants. Probably could've grinder through the top of the shock itself, but spent some time with the hacksaw and about 2" of cutting stroke to cut and hammer them off. Could not get the pitman arm removed from the tierod and ended up having enough room to get the springs in with out no problem. So at the end of day 2 I was rear suspension lift short of completion.
I took Monday off and picked through the week figuring to have my first Saturday free all summer. Will admit my research led me to fear the rear shocks and yes it was a worthy fear. 10 gallons of penetrating fluid and a soft touch with 3/8s drive and I had snapped off 2 of the upper bolts.
It was at this moment I gave in and got on line. Yes I cheated An hour later I returned home with a dremel tool , quick release and metal cutting wheels that lasted approximately 3 hours. 75 bucks well spent lol. I don't know what I'd of done with out them next to dropping the gas tank or removing the body lift I just installed.
Saturday morning was fine tuning. Tweaked the front end straight and ended up dropping the TC skid plate 1/2". Still have a vibe so spent last night IDing and replacing a u joint on the front drive shaft. The amount of play was almost unnoticeable but enough that it was the problem. I left the 1/2" on the TC skid plate because the rear drive shaft just looked to steep with out it.
So for the most part I am done. I have some new noises that I'll look for when I check everything this coming weekend and have to rig something for my shifter that's hitting the console , but no hurries. I've had enough driveway mechanics for a bit . Now maybe I'll actually have some time to use it.