suspension install sequence

[brownjeans]

I'm installing new OME suspension from Cruiser Outfitters (thanks Kurt) on my '85 and have a question about sequence. What's best?

1. frame > axle > shackle?
2. axle > frame > shackle?
3. axle > shackle > frame?
4. frame > shackle > axle?

I'm on the first corner (DS rear) and I tried no. 4 but the spring pin didn't line up with the axle hole (off by about an inch and I couldn't get it to move in place). So I'm thinking that I'm doing it wrong. Thoughts?

 

[1tontoy]

Connect the fixed pin first. Then, do the shackle side. Then, do the ubolts.

 

[brownjeans]

That's what I did, but the pin on the top of the spring didn't go in the spot for it on the axle. So how do I shift it without the rig falling on my head?

 

[1tontoy]

You might have the springs backwards.

 

[brownjeans]

It's not THAT far off, it's less than an inch off — kind of to the side. If they were backwards it would be several inches I'd think (because the one side is several inches longer). But I still can't get the pin in the hole.

 

[RockDoc]

Ratchet strap the springs together if the pins are spread too far.

 

[brownjeans]

Ratchet strap! Great idea. That will move things around without knocking the truck too much. I'll try that tomorrow morning and let you know how it goes.

 

[Rigger]

Remember to remove the grease zerk from the slip joint of the drive shaft.

And don't tighten everything up until after you have it all together.

 

[lovetoski]

Rachet strap works to pull together. I've also had to push the springs apart...and I use a scissors jack + block of wood between the springs.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Always more work than it looks like, and quite a mess. MIke

 

[ted0]

Also jacking up the spring from under the seat (with the axle supported separately) will move the hole forwards and backwards if that helps.
Took me a good half hour to get the pin/hole to line up on one corner, was driving me nuts.

 

[brownjeans]

Ratchet strap worked great. I used a floor jack too, repositioning it helped adjust things forward on the one side, on the other side I had to lift it and give the wheel a kick. Good Lord this IS a lot of work. I've only got the rear suspension in and I'm bruised and sore. I feel like I've been to the gym all day.

The highlight so far is when I had to get out the torch to remove the old suspension (love the torch) and caught the bushing on fire right by the gas lines. My wife took the fire extinguisher and blasted the bushing... and my face.

In case you were wondering, fire extinguisher stuff tastes terrible.

Next weekend I'll do the front. Any tips or tricks I need to be aware of on the front?

How do I get the front shocks off? I messed with it a bit and the nut on top just turns the shock around and around.

As locked up as the old stuff is I'm betting this is going to improve things a LOT. The old suspension is pretty much frozen and I only had about 2" of travel from collapse of the old springs. The old rear suspension had two broke leafs that I didn't even see until I had them off.

 

[MichiganFJ60]

How do I get the front shocks off? I messed with it a bit and the nut on top just turns the shock around and around.

I'm sure someone on here has a better way, but I used a pipe wrench on the top of the shock shroud to keep it from spinning. Worked fine.

Good luck!

 

[klinetime574]

I usually just grab the shock with my hand and loosen the nut. MichiganFJ60's method will work as well

 

[topherbecker]

I had same problem you did with center pin not lining up. I found it easiest to pull the spring off the opposite end and have the axle sitting on stand. You could also probably just loosen the ubolts on the opposite end...

 

[Jason82FJ60]

any time i have ever put on a lift, i would (rear first) loosen the suspension parts, jack the truck up, support the body, then lower the axle. then i would remove suspension parts, install new suspension parts and lower vehicle. rinse and repeat for the front. that way i could move the axle any way i needed.

i plan on doing one here soon cause i got my eye on some 33's lol. now to get the wife convinced that the truck needs this...