Front Suspension Install????

[1970njbronc]

As a newbie to this post and early Bronco's in general, I am learning things the hard way.

I am in the process of installing a Duff 2" suspension lift with new springs and C bushings.. I did the rear on Sat and spent nearly 6 hours dealing with rusted out bolts that had to be removed with a sawzall and brake lines that got in the way of lowering the rear axle.

Any words of wisdom for me reagrding the replacement of the front end (coil springs, shocks, C bushings) other than use a lot of WD 40, a big breaker bar and have plenty of patience??

??? ??? ??? ???

 

[civilgee]

One piece of advice, ditch the WD-40 and get some PB Blaster. It really works. I just replaced the bushings in my front end (Duff's 14 piece set) and it took about 6 hours and 1/2 case of beer. Tips I learned.

1. Use impact wrenches.
2. Soak all bolts with PB Blaster several days in advance . Repeat several times!!!
3. Use a pair of big C clamps to start the caps back on the end of the radius arms (for installing C bushings at axle end). Some people use real long bolts to do this.
4.Be careful where you support the bronco in the air. When I lowered the jack to put the weight on the jack stands, the whole bronco tried to nose over. Take your time!!!
5. Good luck!!

Take some pictures of your bronco after you install the kit. I am planning on installing the Duff 2.5" lift kit on mine also.

 

[Dennis]

I would drop the whole frontend completly out and install using the method here. http://broncofix.com/Tech/lean/lean.htm

 

[Waverous]

The best way I found to do major work on the front end is to drop the front end. It will be easier if everything is out. Along with what civilgee said; when supporting the Bronco on the frame ( I used jack stands behind the frame/radius arms anchor points), the Bronco wants to lean forward. An additional jack stand under the front bumber to prevent the lean forward - NOT TO SUPPORT WEIGHT - will help. Might have to put the jack satnd on sturdy blocks or cinder blocks to get it high enough. If you do this right, you can move the front support to roll the axel in and out from under the Bronco.

 

[rstgermaine]

Definately take front end out, definately use lots of penetrating fluid (liquid wrench or better, WD40 is useless), a long breaker bar, and plenty of time and sweat. As a last resort you may have to break out the heat wrench. Since you are replaceing the bushings, don't worry about burning them just watch out for the fumes - they can be a bitch. It will take a lot of heat since the radius arms are beefy so be patient. The last thing you want to do is snap one of those radius arm bolts off.

 

[Guest]

I just completed this project last weekend. My advice would be to enlist the help of some friends and definitely get access to impact tools. That will make your job much easier. I also sprayed wd40 on all the bolts for several days in a row during the week before this project. I hoisted the front end off the ground and removed the entire axle, it took about 3 hours from start to finish with three other knowledgable guys helping. Good luck

 

[1970njbronc]

[quote author=civilgee link=board=5;threadid=15861;start=0#msg119994 date=1049133877]
One piece of advice, ditch the WD-40 and get some PB Blaster. It really works. I just replaced the bushings in my front end (Duff's 14 piece set) and it took about 6 hours and 1/2 case of beer. Tips I learned.

1. Use impact wrenches.
2. Soak all bolts with PB Blaster several days in advance . Repeat several times!!!
3. Use a pair of big C clamps to start the caps back on the end of the radius arms (for installing C bushings at axle end). Some people use real long bolts to do this.
4.Be careful where you support the bronco in the air. When I lowered the jack to put the weight on the jack stands, the whole bronco tried to nose over. Take your time!!!
5. Good luck!!

Take some pictures of your bronco after you install the kit. I am planning on installing the Duff 2.5" lift kit on mine also.
[/quote]

Do you suggest I drop the front end? I am worried that If do, I may not be able to assemble it alone.