Replaced Front Drop Links - Job Done!

[ihpj]

Well since I am avoiding writing my dissertation (I am about 8k words short of my intended 10k word count) I decided to tinker with my Ex. - and so today I decided to tackle the front drop links.

I have been getting a very slight 'clonk' from the front in the last couple of days and well I have been itching to fit some of the parts I bought when I was in the USA last year and felt this was reason enough to get dirty today.

As many of you may know I am quite neurotic when it comes to my Ex. and the amount of rust underneath worries me. Having read Joe Dirt's thread on tackling this job, I figured mine would be rusted solid and at least I would have fun crawling underneath my Ex. and pretend using my tools

My drop links came undone on the first attempt and without trouble at all. Although I doubt they needed replacing, the replacement MOOG parts were just begging to be fitted

I believe my truck had original Ford drop links from new and the upper bolt was 16 and lower was a 15. The replacement MOOG parts also had upper bolt 16 but the lower was an 18.

I was surprised how quickly the job was completed - but it was nice to have a 'How To' thread from folks on the forum like Joe Dirt to guide the clueless

Anyhoo...here are the pictures of the finished job:

And here are the original ones that were removed:

However the reason for the 'clonk' is most likely the upper ball joint on the NSF as the rubber gaiter is perishing and coming away from the housing...ah well job for another day (Howard ;o) ... )

 

[ihpj]

EDIT: I know the pictures are not displaying, apparently my ISP has withdrawn my webspace due to my going over the webspace allowance (or something). Full service will be resorted shortly though...

 

[janolsson]

Another job off the list

For your photos get a photobucket acc and use that as its easy. Also very easy to RESIZE the photos on there

 

[ihpj]

HAHA! My list consists of stuff Im itching to do than it actually needing replacing TBH Jan. I got a pile of stuff that Ive been waiting to fit and when I get bored (read avoid writing my dissertation) the Ex. is my focus ;o)

I think its a placebo effect in that the front end of the car feels tighter after the two jobs I have done; but having seen the upper ball joint separating from its rubber gaiter it means now that I can fit the last of my kit and replace the upper and lower ball joints on both side...and for good measure I will replace the (outer) tie rod ends too.

I'm just worried about a bolt shearing/snapping due to the rust

 

[janolsson]

What is the dissertation on? Mine was "The investigation of Solder Paste Joints Using The Spatial Statistics of Laser Speckle"

As for the bolts, don't worry too much. They may look rusty but a good soak of penetrant and they'll come out. I have found that generally the bolts on these things are pretty strong

 

[ihpj]

I see Jan that you Sir are a scholar and a gentleman!

As for worrying, oh I worry Jan, I worry a LOT (just ask Howard!). As for dissertation, mine is looking at social work interventions and social class; i.e. are outcomes different for children from different social classes if everything else is the same?

Last thing I need to do before I confirm my graduation. I knowmim graduating but dissertation is required and anything C+ and above I get a 2:1 ;o)

I'm not really fussed though, I always aimed for a 2:2 when I started, so it'd be a bonus if I got a 2:1. I'm just chuffed to be graduating

 

[ihpj]

Photos now working