What parts to have at the ready

[C1ph3r]

I will hopefully be doing a front disk conversion along with lowering my truck pretty soon.

Here is what the major plan entails: disk conversion kit from ECE w/ 2.5" spindles, F/R springs, F/R shocks, blocks, c-notch, adjustable track bar and rear shock relocation brackets,

I am in the process of ordering all my parts and wondering what minor things i should have on hand or swap out at the same time? Maybe "common" things that break on an almost 50 year old truck when swapping this major parts out.

I cant be down that long with the truck waiting for parts i missed to come in because they broke or something.

Trying to get ahead of any gotchas before i start the project.

Thanks,
A.W.

[Matt Cramer]

Plan on replacing all the bushings when you have the suspension apart.

[Andy4639]

If any parts you mentioned don't have new bolting material I would have grade 8 bolts nuts ready in case you break strip thresads.I would have some cans of penetrating spray to on hand for the old stuff.

[C1ph3r]

Originally Posted by Matt Cramer

Plan on replacing all the bushings when you have the suspension apart.

I was thinking that too. I see AZ ProPerformance has an entire prothane bushing kit for my truck.

Originally Posted by Andy4639

If any parts you mentioned don't have new bolting material I would have grade 8 bolts nuts ready in case you break strip thresads.I would have some cans of penetrating spray to on hand for the old stuff.

Have tons of PB Blast on hand at all times. =)
As for the grade 8 bolts, thats a great idea too. Any idea of where there may be a list of sizes that are used? I have no issue having nuts and bolts stocked and on hand.

[C1ph3r]

Oh, i was planning on doing ball joints and tie rod ends as well.

should i bother with lower A Arm u-bolts also?

[Andy4639]

I would replace anything I took a part if it's the factory stuff. Just good insurance you want be taking it back a part week later!

I don't have a list but you may can find one by googling it. Do you have the manual for it, if so it should list them by sections.

[C1ph3r]

Originally Posted by Andy4639

I would replace anything I took a part if it's the factory stuff. Just good insurance you want be taking it back a part week later!

I don't have a list but you may can find one by googling it. Do you have the manual for it, if so it should list them by sections.

Actually i bought every manual i could find for it not to long ago. So yeah, I have them all. Well, i dont think i have the factory one but i have all the after market ones i think. I will give that a look.

Fortunately I wont be without transportation while I am working on it. So bolts i can source locally .

thanks again.

[mike16]

Go to harbour freight, buy a twenty ton hudraulic press. I got mine on sale for 120 bucks.

[Jfwh1tt]

Originally Posted by mike16

Go to harbour freight, buy a twenty ton hudraulic press. I got mine on sale for 120 bucks.

I've never done this before; why would one need a 20 ton hydraulic press?

[C1ph3r]

Originally Posted by Jfwh1tt

I've never done this before; why would one need a 20 ton hydraulic press?

probably to make getting the bushings in and out easier? thats my guess

[jmader]

Originally Posted by mike16

Go to harbour freight, buy a twenty ton hudraulic press. I got mine on sale for 120 bucks.

I've got one of these too. It's pretty janky for big jobs but is really nice to have for bearings, u-joints, bushings etc.

[C1ph3r]

Originally Posted by jmader

I've got one of these too. It's pretty janky for big jobs but is really nice to have for bearings, u-joints, bushings etc.

Well this thread is getting OT a little but I suppose not totally.

Help me justify having such a large piece in my already tight garage. The price is really good right now and I have a 20% off coupon. Problem isn't the cash really its the space. I have managed to this point having done suspension on a number of cars with never having this. Granted, it would have helped a few times i guess.

Thanks

[72c105speed]

Bolt joint press works well on bushings too!

Use caution with the brake lines and hoses. Mine broke at the lowest point under the engine.

[C1ph3r]

Originally Posted by 72c105speed

Bolt joint press works well on bushings too!

Use caution with the brake lines and hoses. Mine broke at the lowest point under the engine.

Just looked into the ball joint press. This would compliment my front end service tool set. Takes up a considerable less amount of space too.

I am worried about the brake lines too. So keeping fingers crossed that doesnt become an issue.

[mike16]

obtaning a press to use in a front end rebuild is hardly off topic, rather, it is an absolute need to do the job correctly. I have seen too many butcher jobs done to ever reliquish control to some shop. plus the expense alone of having it done vs. buying a press out weighs any expense of a press. And after your done, you still own the press to do more and other work. the press expands your capabilities.

Why a twenty tone press? maybe because it does about every job on a car or truck that can be done. A fifty tone press does not cost too much more but you say that space is a limitation.

mine , a 20 tonner, does not take up alot of room in my garage. well worth the inconvinience.

Remmember, you still own the press when your done vs bent up hack job done by shops.

[C1ph3r]

Originally Posted by mike16

obtaning a press to use in a front end rebuild is hardly off topic, rather, it is an absolute need to do the job correctly. I have seen too many butcher jobs done to ever reliquish control to some shop. plus the expense alone of having it done vs. buying a press out weighs any expense of a press. And after your done, you still own the press to do more and other work. the press expands your capabilities.

Why a twenty tone press? maybe because it does about every job on a car or truck that can be done. A fifty tone press does not cost too much more but you say that space is a limitation.

mine , a 20 tonner, does not take up alot of room in my garage. well worth the inconvinience.

Remmember, you still own the press when your done vs bent up hack job done by shops.

All very good points. My next question is what other parts will I need so the press can push out bushings and bearings? Or out of the box is it good to go? Reason I ask is looking at ball joint presses they are many different size cups for various vehicles. That tool looks like it will for into the A Arms better for getting the bushings out. But I don't know. I'm basing that off of pictures.

[mike16]

all of that and king pins too.