Rosta97's build thread

[Rosta97]

Wanted to keep a record of what all I do to the LX with pictures and such.

Its a 2000 that I bought with 92k miles on it. Timing belt had just been done as long as a lot of other maintenance.

Came with a blown right rear accumulator, had a long bouncy ride home(about 6 hour drive) to think about whether to fix the AHC suspension or go with LC suspension. Ended up going with the LC and ordered the suspension the next day. Went with OME 865 springs and torsion bars and OEM shocks/struts. I started the install of the suspension tonight, and plan to finish the rest over the next two days. Here are some before pictures:

Short term plans:
better tires(once these are no longer servicable)
roof rack
Get master key/fob made
Get factory tool kit

Long term:
ARB locker(s)
armor

The truck does have some rust on it, on the hatch, rear doors, and typical surface rust underneither. When I get some time I plan on sanding the majority of it down and sealing it.

 

[Rosta97]

Got to work on the suspension. Was a battle of the stripped bolts and stupid rear design.

Both front top mount bolts stripped when I tried to take them off, dicked around with a cut off tool and other tools until I decided to just use a hacksaw and cut the whole top off.

Finally got it all out though.

Then came the dreaded rear. The wife was really not keen on the idea of me cutting the floor so I decided to give it the old college try getting them off without cutting the floor. If it wasnt for the AHC 2 12mm bolts I think it could be done. I was able to get the two rearward 12mm out but just could not get the two front ones off. After 2-3 hours of trying I decided it was time to cut the floor. I did the 1 1/2 in hole per the how to, but this hole is really designed for non AHC suspension as I still couldn't get to the forward 12mm bolt for the hydraulic line. So I decided well whats another hole and drilled another 1/2in hole so I could get that 12mm off. When I was done I painted the holes and ordered grommets for them. Should have just cut the holes from the beginning and not wasted 2-3 hours. Due to missing a few installation parts and leaving the country in a couple days it'll have to wait until I return to be finished.

Also just for comparison, factory torsion bars vs OME torsion bars:

 

[Rosta97]

Got the suspension together. Rides 1000x better than with a blown accumulator, and glad I'll never have to worry about failed hydraulic components again. Took it out to uwharrie national park for a little off roading. Really need some tires for it.