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Well yesterday I got the ol Bronco to start and even took it for a drive. Almost went ahead and put it in the shop when I got back instead of its carport spot. But decided I already have too busy a week planned with life and work stuff, to add on working over the big list on the Bronco.
Started it today and backed it in the shop. Then took the front axle apart to get ready for all 4 ball joint replacement/upgrade. Followed by replacing/upgrading the axles and lock in/outs come go back together time.
I noticed a unique trend in my Bronco's today...
Well had to cut the nut since the stud kept turning. Even putting weight on it and doing the tie rod end pickle fork wedge trick, would not work. PO left me some gouges to clean up.
More PO gouges before clean up.
Dressed them the best I could and not get into the caster/camber threads.
What was left of the upper stud.
Sign that a previous blown front axle u joint had happened before and the bottom stud/nut got beat up. Made for that nut removal to be a PITA also.
Passenger side done.
Both done and I am tired from up and down 500 times for tools.
New ball joints in the Dewalt bag to go in. Using Mevotech TTX.
Ok so dvrs side is back together, at least the ball joints and steering knuckle are and it is installed on the axle. I used the MevoTech TTX and they are all torqued down by the book. Since I am having to use a different passenger side knuckle....thankfully I had a spare on the shelf. But I have to get the old ball joint out of that one, and I believe they are the originals. I am letting it soak for a few days with some Sea Foam Deep Creep hopefully getting in there.
They are BEEFY, they have heavy duty boots that are held on the stud end with a double wire wrap. And a strong gripping lower part of the boot. They have heavy duty grease zerks. The bottom one is on the bottom of the ball joint and IMO easily subject to damage from rocks, so I am servicing it and putting a plug or putting a needle zerk in it.
The top one has a offset grease zerk, so you have to pay attention to how/where you orientate it before install. If you do not pay attention you can NOT get a grease gun tip on it.
I like this grease gun coupler, Lock and Lube is nice.
I hope to get the old ball joints out the replacement knuckle tomorrow and then I plan to get it all together tomorrow also. I have to get this thing back together, we are planning a trip here soon to our favorite place.
1st thing this am I got the lower out with my C press and even I tried a hydraulic press and I thought I was going to taco my knuckle. So I had to get the smoke wrench out to get the upper old ball joint out of my replacement knuckle for the passenger side. And did not nick any of the ball joint race area. Then got the new ball joints installed. I am holding off because I am on the fence about going ahead and going the Bulletproof steering/heim joint mod. And it is easier to drill the knuckle with a drill press versus a hand held drill. Then I looked at my broke parking lot repaired trac bar bracket and might tear into it.
Bullet proof steering. Welcome to the Genuine Bullet Proof Steering System Solution!
Thanks, it's going slowly a little here and a little there! Right now, I'm trying to figure out the exhaust system, not much room with the 4-link. I won't be wheeling mine though, although it will be capable of it to some point.
Well I should of known better to try and double/triple dip during Bronco projects. I should of just stuck with the ball joint replacement/axle shaft upgrade as wrench mission #1 and worked on the steering linkage as a WAY down the road project.
The Bullet Proof steering linkage was supposed to of come off an early Bronco, so all I would of had to do is just drill the knuckles to 3/4 and bolt the heims and go. AH NO WAY NO HOW, because main drag link is WAY too long, like if came off a full size Bronco long. Yes in my earlier pic of them I had them stuck together wrong, but that was just to keep from loosing small pieces and parts in the shop mess.
And same for the linkage going from the passenger side knuckle back up to the pitman arm. WAY TOO LONG ALSO. Another delay was to toss in the fact I had to locate a replacement passenger side knuckle. Thankfully I had a spare on the parts shed shelf, but it needs drilled to 7/8 to continue doing/using the current TRO (tie rod over with the 1 ton GM tie rod ends). So I need a flip sleeve that is now on order.....again. No I do not have a high 7* reamer.
The 1st one ordered (and found out after I ordered it) that it is a week out from shipping, good grief do they make them one at at time at Ruff Stuff? WFO squared me away with same day order, same day shipping/priority mail.
So the Bullet proof stuff with go in some day, I just have to measure X4 more like 10X, and cut X1 on one end and then either weld in a threaded bung for the heim or thread the rod end. Then the same for the short linkage, always something.
Thanks and rest assured I will persevere ! I am getting the flip sleeve, and will drill the replacement knuckle to 7/8, and put it ALL back together. I even got a new gm 1 ton tie rod end since the other one is sort of showing a sign of being "tired".
Once that is done, time to put in the new 4130 Chromoly axle shafts with CTM u-joints and new Toms Bronco Parts lock in/outs.
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