Need help w/ a K&N install.

[Harry5150]

Hello again everyone. Whooohoooo my 4th post!
I just had UPS drop off a K&N Injection Performance Kit for my 97 2WD Sport & was in the process of installing it when I ran into a little problem. I cannot pull the stock filter airbox out for the life of me. The instructions says to pull firmly. I was pulling so hard that the support bracket was starting to bend underneath. I can't find any visible bolts, nuts, or fasteners besides the the 4 mounting posts and grommits. Am I missing something? Here's a link to the picture the parts guy at the local dealer faxed me: Dead Link Removed

Also, I just got my Warrrior shackles in too. Does anyone know where and how much I can get poly bushings for the shackles/leaf?
Is it normal for the Warrior shackles to have the box not welded all the way around?

Tips, commemnts, suggestions, answers to my prayers?

Thanks,

Harry


p.s. This is the best site for info on Explorers I've found! I've learned more from here in the past few weeks than talking to dealers and shops since I've owned my truck. I just wish I would of found this site before I bought my new BFG 30x15's. It's also good to see that everyone here has a good attitude and keeps their posts positive.

[This message has been edited by Harry5150 (edited 02-04-2000).]

 

[GJarrett]

The airbox is REALLY stuck hard, but it does in fact pull out. I had to force a longhandle screwdriver under it and wiggle it around to feel the mounting points and pry/pop it up from there.

What do you mean by the Warrior shackle's box not welded all around? The shackle crossmember is three sided, not an enclosed box.

My Warrior shackles were the first one made, since I was the one that called several companies to try to get some available for our Explorers and ended up working with Warrior which was the only company that would do it. That being said, my centerpiece is completey welded all the way around at every point that it attaches to the shackles.

I would be willing to bet that after the first run of fifteen shackles were produced, Warrior figured out they didn't need to do that much welding. A few people here have bought cheapo shackles at Pep Boys that are just the two ladders with no crossmember at all. That is a little too unstable (and probably dangerous) for me, but it does show that the unit can be sturdy enough without a complete weld. All that center piece is for is to stabilize the ladders side to side and so they do not bear the full weight and stress of the full unit. I am sure that spot welds are fine.

If you are still uneasy about it, I 'll email you Warrior's number to call the manufacturer and find out.

Gerald

 

[Harry5150]

Thanks for the tip Gerald. I'll give the screwdriver a try this weekend.

3 sides? The shackle thing's kinda hard to explain. I'll try to post a picture of the shackle this weekend. If your're looking at the shackle laying flat, ( H )the center crossmember has 2 welds on the front and back that are connected to the sides. If you look at the shackle's ends from the top or bottom ( |-| ), there isn't any welds on the joint between the crossmember and the sides. I figured that they would weld it all the way around. Maybe they sent me the wrong ones?

Harry

 

[Harry5150]

Gerald, thanks for the info. I had a hint that they may have done that to save labor on it also. I went to Autozone and saw the adjustable shackles there and wow, I can't believe people use them. The Warrior ones are way more beefy and the grey speckled finish is pretty interesting. Did you reuse your bushings or replace them w/ poly? Great job on researching and getting more parts maufactured for our trucks.

[This message has been edited by Harry5150 (edited 02-04-2000).]

 

[Harry5150]

Got the K&N in and it sounds great. Bolts to mount it was too short but not a problem.