Another successful day in the shop. I got the entire rear axle, rear suspension, and brakes off in one shot. Surprising, only two bolts broke in the process.
A quick pressure wash and I removed the fifty years of build up off the whole assembly. Tomorrow, I'll good through, inspect all the parts, and give them a quick paint job. I've already ordered all new bushings for the spring hangers, sway bar links, and new axle straps. The shocks are being measured and new ones are on order. In the mean time, it's hurry up and wait for the parts to come in. If they don't come in within the next few days, I'll hang the assembly up temporarily, to get the chassis off the lift (got some other projects too ya know). Anyways, a heat job to the busted bolts and they both came out without a fight.
I switched my attention to the front suspension. The R/F is gone. Only a few parts survived the crash, and even they are subject to a very close inspection to ensure their quality. At this point I think the survivors are the spring, the caliper, and the caliper bracket.... that's it. Everything else will be replaced. The right side seems ok for the most part. It's only connection to the hit was the impact transmitted through the steering. On order is all new tie rods, inner and outer, new toe links, sway bar links, and all the appropriate bushings. My boss gave me the insight on the motor mount bushings alone. The pair is almost $400.00!
Continuing with the R/S, I removed the shock, caliper and brake pads to get a better look at a few hidden parts. All seem okay at this time. The front suspension is a very complex design. The control arms have two pins through them, that are adjustable. These pins support the upright, or inner portion of the hub (the part the wheel spins on). Like I said, even I have to hit the books tomorrow, to get a clear picture on how all the components come into play. The only time I've seen a king pin set up is on medium duty truck. Hey, at least they greased them!
By the end of tomorrow, while waiting for new goodies to come in, my mission is to get all of the remaining pieces off of the old frame, and get the frame off the lift for the first time in years. Not too much left, but I have to check the frame over a few more times for any clips, pieces, or parts that may be useful for hanging brake lines, fuel lines, etc. I have enough to start putting the front back together.
Enough for one day. I'll get to you tomorrow!
