Gentleman,

I need some advice. My 2000 (4x4) Navigators air suspension system gave out at 140,000 miles. So, I ordered the conversion kit from Strutmasters and last weekend began the conversion. I got the rear springs and shocks converted over just fine. Then I began the front. I had little problem removing the air-shocks. But then noticed the rubber bushings/on the upper control arm, etc all looked brittle & cracked. So, I got back on the phone with Strutmasters and ordered the following:
· 2 Upper Control Arms With Ball Joints
· Inner And Outer Tie Rod Ends
· Sway Bar Links
· All Necessary Hardware
Here’s my question: Is this a job best left to a pro; or, can an average weekend warrior tackle it. Any opinions and/or advice would be appreciated. I have the car up on 6-ton jack stands in my garage right now.
Looking forward to your responses.

Scott

 

Your average weekend warrior can handle this but like anything, a lot depends on that person's skill level and tool collection.

 

Alloro,

Thanks for your response. I have the assortment of hand tools: metric/Std - wrenchs/1/2 ratchets, etc. Skill level...that's the question. Any advise on the job itself. Maybe special tools I can rent? Or, a source for further instruction on tightening the bolts, etc?

Thanks,

Scott

 

I put new ball joints and inner/outer tie rods on my expy last year. I don't remember anything particularly difficult about it so it shouldn't be too bad. If you can try and put the alignment bolts back in as close as you can to what they were- same with the tie rods. You will need an alignment ASAP regardless when you're done. Hopefully all the parts you bought have grease zerks- if they do make sure to angle the zerk to where you can get the gun on it. If you don't have a torque wrench you will need one. Torque specs should be in the instructions.

 

SilverSS,

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll be getting a new torque wrench!

Believe it or not, Strutmasters didnt supply any installation instructions with these parts. They did with the springs and shocks; but, not with the Control Arm/Tie Rod/Sway Bar - Kit.

I'll be looking into this before Saturday.

Thanks again,

Scott

 

Something else I thought of when you get a torque wrench is you might want to get a breaker bar also if you don't have one. They come in handy quite a bit. Should be able to search and find the torque specs.

 

a haynes manual will have all the torque specs you need for this job. you can usually find one at just about any parts store for a very reasonable price.

usually one of the first things i buy when i get a new (to me) vehicle.

 

I have the breaker bar; got it while doing the rear springs and shocks last week.

Haynes manual - I'll be looking for one of these today!

Thanks for all the input! I'll provide an update next week.

Scott

 

I have a 98, so I'm not sure how different the process is for a 00 or what exactly failed in your system but if it was just the bags, why do a total conversion? I'm asking because I had decided that when the bags went out I was also going to do the conversion. But when my bags did go out, I simply replaced them..took about 45 mins. If the bags give me another 5 years for the few bucks I pd I would had gotten my money's worth.

 

I did the upper control arms on my 97 a couple of weeks ago. Pretty simple job took about an hour per side. Mark the position of the alignment washers before you remove it, and reinstall in the same place. The same with the tie rod ends, measure the current position and install the new ones to match. This will get you close and will hold you until you can get an alignment.

 

12amracer - The bags had been leaking for some time which resulted in the compressor working overtime. I was concerned once I replaced the bags, I'd be getting nickled and dimed with the other components of the air suspension system. Was it the best decsion? I hope so; but, cant say for sure.

2trux - Thanks for that suggestion! I'll make not of these measurments and match as best I can. At least that should get me to the alignment shop.

Scott

 

Its all just nuts and bolts. That is the way I have always looked at things and have not fell short yet. There have been times that I kinda wished I would have paid someone else to do it, but that is easy said untill you hear how much someone else wants to do it.
For me it boils down to how much time do I have to get it done and is it worth my time to do it?