Forgot to ask... Did you have to disconnect the rear pan hard rod?
When I did my own suspension install ... with far fewer helping hands ... I disconnected the panhard and the sway bar ends .... which gave me a lot more room to move.
Last night ... with the extra helping hands .... it wasn't necessary.
Cheers
Chippy
Thanks for the info chippy.
So how did fishnut like the new ride? I bet he loves it!
Great job indeed ! I'm used to doing almost everything on my own and its great fun.
BTW, which is the model of your Bilstein's? I can read F4-BE5-A... but no more.
Another question about the steering arm: you say "...With the nut still on ... tap it through and pop the ball joint knuckle off" Mines were too hard to remove like this. Did you tap on the nut with a soft hammer or so?
The first is with a "puller" tool that clamps on, winds up and pushes the bolt end back through the seat ..... we didn't have one.
The other one is to undo the castleated nut but leave it on the end of the thread. Then tap on the top of the nut with a hammer ... I used a 2.5 lb steel hammer. The idea is to not damage the threads. They may require a little more ooomph to get them moving .... but I haven't found one yet that doesn't move
NONONO. Dont hit the thread. Loosen the nut then with a decent hammer hit on the side of the steering knuckle itself where the tie-rod end pushes in. Because of the taper of the two parts the jarring effect will soon see the tie-rod drop out of the knuckle. It just needs good sharp raps without trying to physically change the shape of it. :wink:
Matt
If this doesn't make sense let me know and I'll try and draw a diagram. TRY! :lol:
NONONO. Dont hit the thread. Loosen the nut then with a decent hammer hit on the side of the steering knuckle itself where the tie-rod end pushes in. Because of the taper of the two parts the jarring effect will soon see the tie-rod drop out of the knuckle. It just needs good sharp raps without trying to physically change the shape of it. :wink:
Matt
If this doesn't make sense let me know and I'll try and draw a diagram. TRY! :lol:
Or even better you hit it with 2 hammers, one on each side at the same time. (That is why there is a flat on both sides....) That way you are not putting any force where it is not meant to go
December 2007 Prado GXL diesel, Option Pack with traction control, rear airconditioning and curtain airbags. Lovells Springs and Bilstiens shocks, snorkel, front recovery points,
ARB Bar with fog lights, ARB second battery system, sandgrabber mats, Pirelli ATR Tyres,
Another great social get-together, oh and suspension upgrade.
A huge thanks to Matt (who came straight from work...to work) for all the mechanical skullduggery, Leachy (and Jen) for a workspace, bbq, tools etc, and Chippy and Jay for help, tools, photos etc. And, everyone for the great company.
I had a great time, and I am no longer a suspension virgin - learnt a lot. I also learnt where the HP sprayer doesn't reach - thanks for the photographic proof Chippy!
Wheel alignment was way out, but fixed on Saturday morning.
The verdict?
after 1 day on the blacktop, and a couple of kerbs for testing
Sits higher , gives a slightly firmer ride, pulls up out of bounces earlier. Overall it is a vast improvement. Although I can notice the firmer ride, it is just as comfortable and I just love the fact that it feels strong rather than bouncy.
Road handling, I actually think has improved. I think the sponginess in cornering has been eliminated and although the centre of gravity is now higher, the body roll feels less. On sudden braking (like when that moron in the Nissan sportscar cut in front and then stopped on the red :evil: ) the front end stays up rather than feeling like a nose-dive. Guess the opposite might be true when planting the boot taking off from the lights, but I drive the old diesel, so... guess I'll just have to imagine :lol:
I notice the noise a bit more, but it might just be that I am paying more attention. It's bugger all but I just think the firmer springs transmit a bit more through from the road. And I can hear the wind getting up under the wheel arches, but I like that 8) - reminds me that I'm sitting higher up
I'm sure things will change in the coming weeks as it settles in, but I love it.
And, importantly, the better half is very happy with the extra inches.......
Chippy, you forgot the first thing on the next-to-do list: tyres!
and Matt, the snorkel will come after that.
I'm doing a bit of photo-shopping and will post some before and afters soon along with some measurements.
Bitdist - completely true but lack of room and working on the floor ruled the situation. I think the boys vouch for there being no permanent damage to any parts. :wink:
You betchya! When? Oh this weekend, right. Can't wait. The maroon marauder is no longer the grader for the rest of you.
The poor furkids have to think twice before jumping up and down into the back now, but it easier for them to crawl underneath for some shade when we are out :lol:
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