Field Goal!

[Big T]

Schiker is without a doubt the Mcgyver of TTS. I like the threaded rod and washers idea. Add an air powdered impact wrench and that would happen quick.

BTW the main goal was to replace the bushings. Once I figured I could do it with bottle jack and chain, I punted on separating the LCAs from the torsion bars. Far as I'm concerned, they can stay rusted together for another 20 years.

 

[colbythekid]

BTW the main goal was to replace the bushings. Once I figured I could do it with bottle jack and chain, I punted on separating the LCAs from the torsion bars. Far as I'm concerned, they can stay rusted together for another 20 years.

x2

Colby

 

[Big T]

Got the new ball joints installed. Swapped transmission pans from the '95 to the '94 to get sender in place. Now it's time to put the field goal post assembly back in as a unit. New CV half axles on order and should arrive shortly. I'll work on swapping in the steering box from the '95 and replace Pitman and Idler arms at the same time. I tasked Colby with putting together the new tie rod assemblies and cleaning skid plates, etc. This will go back together rather quickly once the CV axles arrive. Then it goes in for alignment. Once Colby's is done, I'll replace the tie rods on my '99 and take that in for alignment. Then we'll both have tight frond ends.

 

[Big T]

It's going back together:

Getting the whole one piece goal post assembly back in was sort of a limbo dance trick. Even getting the transmission support cross member was a trick in that you had to loosen the torsion bar cross member to get enough clearance to angle that in. Everything in a sequence. CV axles are on their way. While waiting for those, we'll do the steering.

Oh the only difference between the steering knuckles on '94 and '95 is that the '94 is drilled and tapped in two spots for the external ABS sensor. The '95 is drilled and tapped in the rear spot only for the bracket holding the ABS sensor. The castings are the same. So when you order new CV axles, you simply order models without the ABS wheel.

 

[Big T]

Today we got the steering put back together: 1) tightened box from the '95, 2) new Pitman arm, 3) new idler bracket and arm. CV axles won't be here til Saturday. May install CV axles from '95 so that truck can be aligned and used for a trip starting Sunday. New CV axles could be installed at the next brake pad change.

 

[Big T]

Son needed help getting the steering knuckles back on. We never separated bearing hubs/rotors from the '95 knuckles, so they were heavy. Once those were installed, l left the rest to be completed by my son. He got it back together, all fluids flushed and replaced and drove it last night. He said the steering is tight and very responsive, like a sports car (for a Burb). The Burb will go in for alignment today. Then the Alcoa wheels with BFG ATs will go on, replacing the PYOs with worn tires. He was busy putting in the gauges in the A Pillar pod last night. I guess the EGT gauge was broken in the wreck as it's stuck at 300 and not moving.

 

[Big T]

Drove the Burb home from the alignment shop. Saaaaaaweet! Very tight ride. Well worth the effort.

This got the Steering Knuckles, Timken bearings, rotors and calipers from the '95 wreck, just those alone justified the $400 buy back cost of the wreck. Then there's the Alcoa wheels and BFG ATs, Rancho 9000 shocks, Diamond Eye Exhaust, Cross Over Pipe and we still haven't pulled the engine and Trans.

Now Colby gets to hook up gauges, etc. and it's ready to roll.

 

[3500GMC]

Good to hear. A sense of satisfaction in a job well done. :thumbsup:

Any busted knuckles? I usually charge an additional $20 per knucle busted on any job small or large.

 

[Big T]

No serious busted knuckles. They're healing up. Should have another 150K miles to rest on this job.

 

[Big T]

 

[Big T]

I'm told it drove quite well.