D25 and shock install ???

[RabidRam]

I'm (hopefully) going to attempt installing a set of D25's and shocks on all 4 corners this weekend. I am the type of person that likes to know what to expect before I get involved in a project. Do any of you have any insight/experience installing these things? I did a Search of the site and read several posts... but nobody seemed to offer any type of directions. Is it really that straight forward? Out with the old, in with the new? I hope so.



In reading old posts, the two things that kept on popping up that worry me most are whether or not I need a spring compressor to get the coils on... and if I can still use the stock trac bar, or if I need to get a new, adjustable one. I just spent $300+ on a new bar last July, and really don't want to get a new one if I don't have to.



Any instructions, pointers, or insight for this install will be appreciated.



TIA,



Dave

 

[SS]

Dave,



It's not too bad of a job - 4 hours including pizza, beer, and benchracing if you have an assistant. Maybe more with corroded bolts.



I would recommend removing the upper stabilizer bar link nuts, the lower track bar bolt, and the front upper control arm bolt - this will allow the axle to droop enough to install the spring without a compressor. I think it is an easier and safer method, but you need a tall set of jackstands under the frame. You can leave the control arm bolt installed on the opposite side to prevent the axle from rotating.



Mark the front lower control arm bolt (it's got a cam washer to adjust pinion angle/caster) and loosen all of the control arm bolts. I took a little caster out of mine to make the driveshaft angle better. You may have to experiment and compromise a bit here - U-joint life, tire life, and steering wheel return to center feel.



Install springs/shocks, and bolt everything together loosely. Put the vehicle on all 4 wheels, jounce the suspension a few times, and tighten all the fasteners (it will ride much better if the bushings are not all wound up). You can start with the cam washers in the original position.



Adjust the toe-in/steering wheel position yourself or take it to an alignment shop. Loosen and rotate the collar on the lower steering linkage to adjust toe, then the collar on the upper link to adjust the steering wheel to center. Tighten the bolts on the collars and take it for a ride.



I still use the stock track bar, but I'm sure there are better available. You have to measure it to see that the axle is not quite centered to the truck.



Sorry for the long post - hope it helps. PM with questions.

 

[RabidRam]

Steve,



Thanks for the directions! I've got it all on. It took a little longer then was necessary because we tried to do it the "easy" way... not unbolting anything and compressing the springs to fit. When our home-made spring compressors didn't cut it, we went back to your directions. Shoulda listened the first time...



THANKS,



Dave

 

[MCummings]

Bump for CarnivalWorker...



Merrick