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I just wanted to make a quick post and thank Sean 73f100shortbed for all his help today.. I drove out to Midas with my ranger and not only did he get my non functioning AC functioning but he berid my truck of an annoying rattle where my exhaust wasnt properly put together. The prices were more than reasonable and he was quick in getting the work done and hes a great guy to boot. so if anyone in NJ needs a mechanic or anything i definately recommend him and his shop ( Woodbridge Midas on 9 south) .
Thanks again Sean
Aside from typically getting 10-15 minutes a day to work on it (heh-heh), the problem originated when the left side frame bracket snapped into two pieces. The other side, taking the entire load, decided to bend a bit.
So I've been slowly cutting bolts, grinding off rivets, and things of that nature. The actual problem at the moment is getting the frame of the truck high enough where the rear of the leaf springs will drop below the frame, where I can cut, drill, torch and beat the bushings and bolts out. Since I have it on jackstands and the rear is only attached by the front of the leaf springs and the brake hose from the frame to the axle, that's kind of precarious to drive around
Basically, I started to tear into it without really thinking about how I'd get at everything with the equipment I have. If the weather holds out, TJC is coming by tomorrow to take a look and offer some advice and emotional support so maybe I won't feel the need to swear at the mess so loudly
Once I get things apart, reassembling will be easy as I'll measure the diameter of the bushings and bolts, order the necessary parts, and slap them in no problem. I tend to be shy when hydraulics are involved, and that rubbery brake line really concerns me - while I can fix most things anything hydraulic gives me trouble.
That reminds me Tom, I called you earlier and left a message - your trailer pins are machined and ready to go, sitting on my milling machine just in case I forget where I've put them, which is likely.
heh-heh, well, I need a strong volunteer with a cape to try your pictorial method! In leu of that I can re-wedge the bottle jacks between the axle and the frame and jack it up some more, but unless I do something about the brake hose there's about an inch or so of play left.
Appreciate the offer, I'll take a crack at it when the rain stops and see how it goes. Is that something you can help here, or would I have to tow the crewcab to you? Obviously driving it would not be an option. 6997lbs is difficult to stop without brakes
Tom pretty much gave the same advice, cut the hose and worry about it later. I just wasn't to happy looking at the crimped fittings... I was hoping for something more normal like a STANDARD FLARE FITTING.
But it's a Ford, I should know better than to have such hopes lmao
BTW, don't be so hard on yourself about the welds on Bob's truck, you should have seen the pigsnot I flung onto his daughter's car trying to do some serious monkey rigging of the exhaust. Ugly, but it stuck!
fred im not afraid of hydraulic brake lines even have the flare wrenches ya need a hand tomorrow?
Yanno, I'm not opposed to anyone helping at this point. I'm going to sweep under the truck (thanks to the rain), and head out there and stare some more, I know it.
Chris very cool about being master tech with Ford. Maybe one day I will work my way up to that. I'm Midas certified and soon I'm going start working on ASE hopefully.
Fred I can help at your house if needed, but I can't this weekend. But let me know how things go and if you dont get done this weekend I can arrange to get to your house at some point. You live near Woodbridge right? I can even come up one night after work if you need.
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