MountaineerGreen's Front Suspension Rehab / Diff Swap

[MountaineerGreen]

Well, I got the alignment Sat. but the dipsticks at the alignment place have obviously fowled something up because my drivers side is leaning inwards \ The tire is already making more noise than it should.

I thought the other ball joint may be bad, after all I did replace them both when I got the truck. So, another $40 ball joint and 2 hours later, I have two new lower ball joints. The one I had was not out, but going out, it had a little slack but was very loose and sloppy.

I also believe when I did the ball joints before (2 yrs ago) I cheaped out and bought the store brand ball joints, not MOOG. I couldn't find a brand on the ones I removed, the Moog pars are clearly marked.

The new ball joint in, the \ is slightly better, but still present. So back to the alignment shop again. I have a "lifetime" alignment there, and they are starting to give me a hassle when I go. There were no conditions or # of uses in the agreement, so its their responsibility to do right. If not, I will ask for the district manager.

 

[RJDriver]

Lifetime is lifetime!!! Stick it to 'em!!!

 

[Hokie]

Here's a question for the diff swappin' V8 owners...

Put my 4.10 pumpkin in the Mounty this week and freakin' forgot to reconnect the breather hose before we bolted it in place. On a V6 this is no problem, but I can't for the life of me get my hand up there to push/pull the hose onto the breather tube.

Anyone got any slick tricks for reconnecting the breather on a V8 vehicle?

 

[Tbars4]

lifetime warranty on a lifted rig??? what company gives that and how much does it cost??? let us know because it adds up real quick as i am sure you are well aware, thanks...

 

[mynameisaric]

Firestone. Thats where i got mine. I told them I would only get it if they will align it after i do my SAS, and they said they would.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Here's a question for the diff swappin' V8 owners...

Put my 4.10 pumpkin in the Mounty this week and freakin' forgot to reconnect the breather hose before we bolted it in place. On a V6 this is no problem, but I can't for the life of me get my hand up there to push/pull the hose onto the breather tube.

Anyone got any slick tricks for reconnecting the breather on a V8 vehicle?

Simple- Install a 4" superlift :

I can reach mine no problem from the bottom.

You may be able to reach up from the bottom on the passenger side of the pumpkin to attach the hose- otherwise, you may have to drop one side of the diff to reattach it. I put zip ties on mine now to ensure they stay.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Alignment is fixed

All it took was two lower ball joints, one upper ball joint, inner tie rod ends, outer tie rod end boots and three trips to the alignment shop.

Firestone is the shop, I have received good service until recently. Now I can tell the guys are giving me the run around when I go the last few trips. It took them 2 hours last time when it should have taken 40 minutes- they bumped me when I wasn't paying attention- put someone who just pulled up ahead of me.

 

[boominXplorer]

Anyone got any slick tricks for reconnecting the breather on a V8 vehicle?

Should be able to reach though the hole in the frame where the CV goes though with the tires turned to get it. I can put my nose on it with the RCD kit :

 

[Hokie]

Should be able to reach though the hole in the frame where the CV goes though with the tires turned to get it. I can put my nose on it with the RCD kit :

It was alot easier to just re-connect it when I put in Evan's old 4.10 front diffy

 

[CDW6212R]

Evan, how large were the vacuum solenoids, the electrical switches? Where were they located, I gather that there are two of them. I'm wondering if one would be small enough to fit under the dash, near the glove box. Regards,

 

[MountaineerGreen]

The vacuum solenoids were on a harness about 2' long that connected to the differential. The solenoids were fairly small if I recall correctly, the assembley on the bracket was smaller than a standard brick. I wish I had of taken pictures of the parts....

 

[CDW6212R]

Thanks, I believe I'll get one from Karl and see if I can get my recirculate solenoid to work when I want it to.

 

[cmax13007]

I could use this mod with my aussie up front. Mountaineergreen how does this work exactly. Is it a electric gear motor disconnecting the pastenger side axle shaft? Lastly, do you have a wire schematic for this mod?

Thanks,

CMAX

 

[MountaineerGreen]

It is a vacuum activated shift fork. Check the first post, I have a link to a thread by JDraper that tells how the wiring works.

 

[cmax13007]

It is a vacuum activated shift fork. Check the first post, I have a link to a thread by JDraper that tells how the wiring works.

Yeah, sorry that your repeating yourself. I just cannot find that link in the first post of this thread?? Can you help me out.

CMAX

 

[MountaineerGreen]

CAD thread-

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188359

 

[aashbacher]

differential swap

Yeah, I can imagine it would- Does it help with your MPG's any?

I am collecting all parts needed to do my front diff conversion, I am waiting on a few suspension parts, when I get it all, I may do a CV removal/install thread for the benefit of others.

 

[aashbacher]

differential swap

Yeah, I can imagine it would- Does it help with your MPG's any?

I am collecting all parts needed to do my front diff conversion, I am waiting on a few suspension parts, when I get it all, I may do a CV removal/install thread for the benefit of others.

if i may ask what kida differential are you putting in im trying to figure out what im going to do with my 2001 ford sport trac front differential i tore it up and thinking of a solid axle mabe a dana 44 or evan a 60 any thoughts aashbacher@comcast.net