Decision Time! My humble build! "Flexed" it, 5/21/09!

[udy2554]

Another step toward done!

Today, I got the rear shocks installed, and the rear driveshaft. New U-joints at both ends, and new u-bolts at the t-case, and new straps at the rear. The shocks had me thinking for a bit. I didn't know if I should install them body up, so the lettering was correct, or body down, like every other shock install I've done. Body up won. I guess a gas charged shock will work either way. Thank you Brett, for the encouraging support on that! Oh, I also reinstalled the bolts, from the sway bar, back into the crossmember where it joins the frame!

Anyone need some shocks for a 6" lift, or an Energy Suspension sway bar for that matter?

All that's left at the rear is the disc conversion. If the weather is agreeable, I will tackle that this weekend.

Oh yeah, gotta have some pics.

 

[udy2554]

Used a new tool today!

I bought an angle grinder a while back and have not used it till today. I removed my stock front shock mounts at the frame in preparation for my Ford shock towers.

It was easier than I thought. I did end up running for some hearing protection after the first minute or two.

First, I ground off the heads of the rivets. Then I beat the bracket off. Next, I ground the rest of the rivet down to the frame. Then tapped the rivet through with a punch and my framing 28oz. Estwing.

In total, it took about 15-20 minutes.

Now, I need to figure out how to clear my steering shaft, when I get an xj shaft, and the Z-bar for my clutch linkage. Mounts may be put on hold till the crossover is done.

My Corbeau seat should be here Thursday, and I was told the crossover shipped out Thursday last week. Big doings coming up soon.

 

[udy2554]

Both sides are done for now!

 

[sweetk30]

i would have had hem off in about 2 min per side.

oh ya thats right i have a shop to play in . oh ya you have seen it.

 

[udy2554]

Must be nice! Yeah, I'm a little jealous. Still, it was nice to do something new, to me, in my own driveway!

 

[sweetk30]

just bustin your ba!!s ya know like you do to me at times.

 

[udy2554]

I know, Brett! All is good. I do try to take some pride in working on my truck. It's something I've never done on my own before. Your help is truly appreciated!

BTW, remember, I've been married TWICE! I can take all the ballbusting anyone can dish out!

 

[udy2554]

Rear disc conversion: Tear down.

I can't go much farther with the front shock towers until I get an XJ steering shaft.. My crossover should be here in the next day or two. My seat will be here Thursday, according to UPS tracking.

So...I guess I'll start my rear disc conversion. Jacked up rear, removed the Swampers and started taking things apart that I have never gotten into before. It was actually pretty easy. I learned a couple of things. 1: I NEED impact sockets. I split my 3/4 deepwell getting the backer plate bolts out of the axle flanges. 2: I didn't know the axle shafts themselves were two different lengths.

Tomorrow, I bring the drums and rotors to a buddy's shop to use his press to swap out the studs. I don't know how much they are, but I still need to decide on whether or not I buy new ones.

Is there any problem reusing the old ones?

Hopefully, get everything back together on Wednesday.

Oh well, say good bye to the drums. The amount of dirt and other crud that came out of the drums is a fantastic testament to going with discs.

 

[sweetk30]

is that stacked blocks in the rear i spy?

if so not good.

heck looks like a block / wedge / and other block.

come on what gives. ?

 

[udy2554]

Kinda. 1" zero rate, then shim then block. I'm looking into a 4" shackle flip to eliminate all the above, but the person I PM'd has not returned an answer. I know it's not the proper way to go, but I was hoping it would be "safe" for the time being.

Next question, I have 3/4 ton calipers for the rear discs, but no option for any type of mechanical emergency brake. Would it be worth the extra money to go with Caddy calipers with the emergency brake, or stay as is, and wait to be able to afford a driveline brake.

I won't have any problem passing inspection locally, but I wouldn't like to put a friend in that position if it wasn't necessary. I'm off to search Caddy calipers right now.

Thanks for noticing and mentioning safety issues, it's good to have someone keep an eye for my idiot moves.

 

[sweetk30]

this is what i want to do.

http://www.highangledriveline.com/e_brake.html

i already have the flanges for the tcase. so i just need the ebrake kit.

 

[y5mgisi]

Looks real good. By the way. You should be fine using your existing studs if you are pressing them in and out.

 

[udy2554]

THanks, gotta save the extra pennies where I can!

 

[udy2554]

this is what i want to do.

http://www.highangledriveline.com/e_brake.html

i already have the flanges for the tcase. so i just need the ebrake kit.

That's my plan too, but probably won't happen till later this fall or next spring/summer! Cash is getting thin!

 

[udy2554]

Discs are in!!!!

I finalized my disc install today. I ended up installing longer studs. I don't know if it was necessary, but the disc surface was quite a bit thicker than the drum where the studs went through. Almost $60 for 16. New bearings, what a joy that outer bearing is. That spring clip thing was a whole new experience too. Now I have pretty blue discs and brackets. The diy4x brackets fit perfect in every way.'

Now all I need are my short SS lines from ORD to show with my crossover steering, and I will be able to complete my whole braking system. From what I read in my searches, my stock MC should do the job just fine. I'm counting on Dremu's info here. My wife is getting nervous about my spending on all the "little" incidentals.

Now for some pics.

What do you think Brett?

 

[udy2554]

One more pic, everything is blue I think I will paint the axle flange blue too. It should offset the black rims alot like the blue/black truck colors.

Any thoughts on that?

 

[sweetk30]

all wrong. rotor goes on the out side and you need worn out bearings and lots of rust no paint. i am vary unhappy with you




na it looks good from here. nice neat and sparkly

 

[dremu]

One more pic, everything is blue I think I will paint the axle flange blue too. It should offset the black rims alot like the blue/black truck colors.

Any thoughts on that?

Like the truck having blue balls?

-- A

 

[broncoman6524]

looks good, I love driving my blazer with the 4speed verses the auto.

You still need the Z-bar?

 

[udy2554]

all wrong. rotor goes on the out side and you need worn out bearings and lots of rust no paint. i am vary unhappy with you