Rear suspension and pipe plumbing
The rear suspension is more straightforward than the front, but not without its challenges.
New polybushes for the trailing arms meant removing the 45 year old rubber ones which took some persuading.
The studs which secure the driveshafts are also prone to stripping and I had to have one helicoiled.
Although the trailing arms are aluminium, they didn't look great on clean up so I painted them. I think they look a lot better.
New polybushes for the trailing arms meant removing the 45 year old rubber ones which took some persuading.
The studs which secure the driveshafts are also prone to stripping and I had to have one helicoiled.
Although the trailing arms are aluminium, they didn't look great on clean up so I painted them. I think they look a lot better.
I replaced the oil in the shock absorbers and painted them. No leaks as far as I can see.
Springs compress fairly easily with a ratchet strap. Less stressful than getting the front ones on!
Then it's on to the drive shafts. Reconditioned drive shafts should have made his fairly straightforward. Except the one on the right had the universal joint put in the wrong way around: the grease nipple would have fouled with the nut and bolt connecting it to the differential. I sent it back and they turned it around.
Springs compress fairly easily with a ratchet strap. Less stressful than getting the front ones on!
Then it's on to the drive shafts. Reconditioned drive shafts should have made his fairly straightforward. Except the one on the right had the universal joint put in the wrong way around: the grease nipple would have fouled with the nut and bolt connecting it to the differential. I sent it back and they turned it around.
Reconditioned diff got a coat of paint then slotted back in on new polybush mounts.
New brake adjusters, brake actuators, brake shoes.... In fact the only bits not replaced in this photo on the left are the backing plate and the actuator lever.
New brake drums. Then my favourite bit: spline adaptor for the spangly wire wheels.
New brake drums. Then my favourite bit: spline adaptor for the spangly wire wheels.
A wheel on every corner! Feels like a milestone.
Next up was brake pipes.
I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about this as I'd never bent a brake pipe in my life. That said they're fairly flexible and forgiving.
I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about this as I'd never bent a brake pipe in my life. That said they're fairly flexible and forgiving.
These ones on the front are fairly tight however. I think I made a better job of the right one than the left