Front Bumper Top Brackets Removal
Next up for removal were the top support bracket plates which tie the front bumper into the main frame rails. They came out really nice too. here are some pics.
Front Bumper Removal
I have been struggling with removing the 2 front leaf spring eyes so I figured I would take a break from it before I hurt the frame or myself and work on the FR bumper removal, that was a task that is needed to be done as part of the frame strip down and figured it would be...
Front Body Mount Washer Removal
I didn't realize until when I tried to remove what I thought was just residual body mount that the Front mounts have a pot welded washer on them. I figure it is there to finalize the FR mount hole taking it from a rough cast shape to final OD with a bushing in...
Front Axle Stand Build
I wanted to get some mobile stands for the axle so that I have the flexibility to move them around as needed in my garage due to the rebuild space constraints. I started trying to some mobile ones for sale but couldn't really find any to my liking that were affordable...
Leaf Spring Removal from FR Axle
I then needed to remove the leaf springs from the front axle. I tried removing the U bolt nuts with my air impact wrench but none of them budged so I had to cut the U bolts off. I took the small 3" air cut off tool to them so that I was sure to not scarf or...
Front Axle Removal
I made an attempt at removing the shackle pins from the leaf spring bushings, however, they were really seized in there so I had to revert to cutting out the springs near the hangers. I will then have to remove the bushings and shackle pins by cutting out the cores and...
Front Strut Removal
With the steering linkage removed, next up was start the removal process of the front suspension, leaf springs and axle. This begins with the removal of the front struts. They came of very easy, will be replaced with as part of the OME suspension system.
Steering Damper & Center Arm Removal
Next up was removal of the steering damper and center arm along with what I call the pivot can (not sure what the official name is for but I am sure you know what I mean when I say pivot can)... Center arm came off with no sweat at all using the puller.
Tie Rod Removal:
I removed the remainder of the tie rods without any issue. Used a pickle fork set that I got at princess auto, found the attachment for the air hammer to be the most effective. It will damage the boots but all of my tie rods will be replaced anyway. Here are some pics of the...
So.... Removed the Steering Box, Pitman Arm, and Drag Link Assembly
Because I couldn't get the pitman arm off figured I would disconnect the tie rod and remove it all as one assembly. This was a lot more successful than my attempt at removing the pitmam arm. Here are some pics of the removal...
Sweep blasting is similar to sand blasting but at a much lower intensity. It is used commonly for galvanized products that will be coated or painted. It removes the oxides that form on the surface of the zinc galvanizing and enables the coating to "take to the surface" it also roughens the...
Pitman Arm Removal Attempt
So I recently attempted the much anticipated Pitman arm removal and I must say, it beat me! I first tried a pickle fork but realized quickly all I was doing was pulling the worm gear shaft out of steering box housing. I then switched to the puller which at first...
I am just getting ready to mine.... here is the processing I will be following:
- Sandblasting
- Double Dip Galvanizing
- Retap all weld nuts
- Sweep blast to remove any zinc oxide
- Power coat
Total cost is $900 for all of the above performed across 2 shops.... I will do retaping of the holes...
Beautiful truck, great find, and you are doing a fantastic job at the resto.
I am so jealous of your starting point, my 1981 aspires to be what your acquired.... Can't wait to see your final product.
Below is a link to my ongoing rebuild...
JD Cruiser's 1981 BJ42 Body Repair & Restoration