Tracie shot some pics while "us guys" worked on the Bronco. So take a look and you can envision the fun that was had!
At the start of this project it was apparent that having a 10 ton crane handy was gonna be a huge plus :-) That and a torch was a godsend!
First pic shows myself removing drive shaft etc.
Sec/Third pic's show Jim removing assorted stubborn suspension components with the "flame wrench"
A list of things we used the flame wrench on is as follows!
Both spring eye bolts on both rear springs... (we actually had to cut the leaf spring it's self to remove them)
U-Bolts etc.
Now this list doesn't seem that long...but consider this... Without that torch.... we would still be trying to remove those bolts holding the leaf springs in!
And this is just the rear suspension :-(
Other snags we ran into
The shocks were kinda fun to get off....... and one wants to be careful with the top mount especially.. (it is a welded stud) ya wouldn't want to snap that off!
Also the rear brake line where it attaches to the axle was a real treat.... (We cut it) And the rear lines where it joins the solid tube at the frame was real "special" Rick gets credit for that removal... but it took a while!
Actually in all honesty, the only thing that wasn't a PITA was the drive shaft. But that's about normal for any vehicle it's age driven in the "Salt belt"
A group photo with most that were in attendance (Jim and John were hunting down some parts)
Right to left: Norm, Chris F., Mike Masse, Dustin, Rick C., Katie S.
Sec pic: Jim is measuring the difference between stock, and his new6in lift, while we all look on!
Third pic: Hoisting the front to begin the sec stage of the lift (everyone needs a 10 ton ceiling crane :-)
Last pic: Mike, Jim, and Norm, forming a plan of attack on the front lift install (we even read the directions briefly... then handed them to Tracie for safe keeping)
Some lift install thoughts
Tools we used that the average home may not have areas follows!
Torch
10 ton overhead crane
About every variation of hand tool imaginable!
3/4in impact (thanks Rick)
2- 1/2 impacts
One Hell of an air compressor
And lord knows what kinda neat toys were used when Jim would disappear and return Min latter with a new fabricated part.
And a very good selection of bolts, hardware etc.
Other parts needed
Rear brake lines... all of them
New rear wheel cylinders
And like above..... every single bolt we removed was in need of replacement
Again, the group of people that gathered at Jim's "shop" ta meet.... wrench on his Bronco.... and get to know each other, were as usual, exceptional folks and I am sure fun was had by all! And I for one appreciate the invite, and am proud to associate with such great people! Thanks again Tracie for the photos, and Jim for the invite... and the hospitality! And I only wish I could have stayed for all the fun and excitement the front suspension install must have generated!
The best source of Bronco info on the web, and a great group of people can be found at Big Broncos
To find out more about the great organization we all belong to click on this link! 2 Big Broncos/
As for the summary of the weekend, here goes:
Saturday 4/1
0900 I arrived at the shop with John P. and began to fire up compressors, lights, etc
0915 Norm & Tracie T. and Mike M. showed up ready to go, we toured the facility
0930 Rick C. arrived and we hooked the Bronco up to the 20ton gantry crane and raised it
0940 Began the process of removing the rear axle and springs
0945 - 1130 Wrenching, cutting, banging, burning, yanking
1130 Dustin S. arrived
1130 - 1200 More wrenching, cutting, banging, burning, yanking
1200 Katie S. arrived
1215 Sent John out for burgers for the group
1230 Chris F. arrived, we had lunch
1400 Dave & Tammy J. arrived and stayed awhile to meet everyone
1300 - 1900 Still more wrenching, cutting, banging, burning, yanking
1900 The axle is back on with the new Superlift 6" rear springs but no brake lines or shocks
1930 Close up shop and head over en-convoy to my place for the official meeting
2000 Ordered Pizza and started meeting
2000 - 2100 held meeting, discussed possible chapter trail rides and outings worked on plans for convoy to Broncofest.
2100 had pizza and bs'd awhile then everyone in attendance headed home except Dustin who stayed over
Sunday
1030 Arrived back at shop with Dustin and Rick
1030 - 2400 A whole lot more wrenching, cutting, banging, burning, yanking along with some twisting, pulling, shoving, lifting (not me), grinding, bending, drilling and torquing
2400 New front radius arms and springs and RS9000'sinstalled. Brakes are still not hooked up and shocks are the wrong length!!! Rick strapped my Bronco around the building with his Bronco (Sorry about the bumper dude!) Cleaned up and closed shop Rick went home and Dustin followed me back to my house
0030 Called my wife, woke her up and asked her to come out and move the van so I can get the F-250 back in the garage. Loaded my old bumper into Dustin's Bronco for Dave Berryman Dustin headed home to make it back just in time to go to work!
Weekend highlights!!
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