My Lift Mod...Got 'er done!

[TorchRedTulsan]

The end that attaches to the frame, on the driver's side, is an oval for our year. 40 years of the axle "pulling" on the track bar caused the oval on mine to be too oblong (stretched out) to accept the new bushings. I'm not sure how long mine's had the 2.5" lift with the stock track bar, but I ruined 2 bushings and a Lowes vise trying to get them in there. The new fit slid in by hand. The adjustable track bar also gives you better adjustment to line up your axle. At least, that's what my research found when I had to buy one last fall

 

[gnsteam]

Adding lift to the front of a Bronco, will shift the front axle to the drivers side, due to a geometry change in the suspension with the added height. The adjustable trac bar allows you to move the axle back to center. An adjustable trac bar isn't necessarily need for lifts 2.5" and under. But I feel its a good idea to add one anyway.

I just installed one last weekend and it solved a lean problem I was having with my 76. See post #9.
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239642

 

[blamejane]

I've removed the bushing from the rear shackle and the new bushings don't fit. I'm wondering if this inner metal tube is also supposed to come out? If so, any tips on getting it out? If not, any tips on how I get the new bushing installed?

Here's a pic:

 

[blamejane]

Well I've either got the wrong bushings, or I need to replace the shackles, or cut out this metal tube. I had to quit for the day and leave my bronco once again. I'm totally bummed that I didn't get to drive it home; a total let-down to say the least. My weekend project has turned into a 3 week project.

 

[ponypower77]

The inner metal tube will need to come out so that the new bushings will fit.

 

[blamejane]

The inner metal tube will need to come out so that the new bushings will fit.

Thanks pony. Any idea how to get this out? It almost seems welded in.

 

[Chief Master Sergeant]

A machine shop can press it out easily. You can also put a hack saw blade inside it, reattach it to the saw and cut through that tube in a couple spots. Use a chisel or punch to knock the pieces out. Will need a vice. Very tough job. Good luck!

 

[blamejane]

Thanks chief, those are some great ideas. I feel better already! :-*

 

[blamejane]

Got the sleeves out...chief your hack-saw method did the trick!

Going back to the bronco, wahoo.

 

[Chief Master Sergeant]

Sweet! Glad it worked for you.

 

[blamejane]

Here's some pics from the Sat/Sun. It was pretty straight forward save for the rear shackle. I had two problems, both had to do with removing the sleeves. First the inner sleeve and bushings wouldn't come out. Finally drilled into the old bushing (between the two sleeves) with 1/8 inch drill bit, to relieve some tension. That worked after a fair amount of drilling. Once these were out we needed to remove the outer-bushing sleeve, which almost looked as if it was part of the shackle. We ended up using a hack-saw blade inserted into the center of the tube, and then making two cuts. This allowed us to chisel out about a 1/4 of the tube. We then hammered out the remaining piece. Took all of 15 minutes.

I'll get some final pics posted later today, after we get the brakes bled.

 

[phred]

Looks good!

 

[blamejane]

Well we finally did it...got the new suspension installed and I f'in love it. Couldn't be more pleased. Friday the new tires will be installed, wahoo...

Anyway, here's how it turned out:

 

[Justafordguy]

Looks great, can't wait to see it with the new tires.

 

[Mountain Ram]

Sweet- looks great!

 

[JGbronc]

Looks great. I like the new stance.

I see you added the presidential sticker to the Bronco as well. Nice. ;D

 

[Chief Master Sergeant]

Looks great Val! It looks good with the tires you have on it. Great job! How does she ride now?

 

[gnsteam]

Great job, it looks good. I've been following this upgrade, for it's the next mod on my list. Looking forward to seeing the addition of new shoes.

 

[DirtDonk]

...Paul this is a new one on me...lubricitatious.Did you patent that word yet??;D

Old word. Means "slippery sales tactics", or later "smoothing over a misunderstanding due to language barriers" in Middle Earth English. ;D

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Rig came out great Val. And I think the fact that you did it at your parents house is just perfect. Not because of the more conducive facilities, or the fact that it makes you spend more time over there with everyone, but I bet your dad is pretty interested in all the going's on anyway. After all, he's got a pretty personal stake in this whole Bronco part of your life I'd say!

Glad it's done. Those shackles can really kick butt sometimes. Well, almost EVERY time!

Paul