Front end overhaul-

4GaugeSurprise · Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2018 5:17 am Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

Not all "poly" is equal, there are a few various options from different manufacturers, some will always squeak, some are damn quiet. All will be stiffer than the OEM stock, it's up to you if that's a good thing or not.

vaportrail · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 9:43 am Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

With the big project scheduled to start tomorrow, I've got friends trying to talk me out of it. They've convinced the wife to try to get me to take it to a shop. They even went as far as to recommend a specific "Big O" to have the work done...

So, I gave them a call this morning, to get an estimate on installing my carry in parts. To put on upper and lower control arms, CV axles and alignment job on the fj commands 6-7 hours and just under $1100 after tax estimate.

Yikes-

calichaos · Obstacle Crusher Joined: Feb 08, 2011 Posts: 1979

^^ that is one proud price.. at least they are doing the alignment Smile

for that price .. have them do a free oil change; a free radiator fluid, free brake fluid and free power steering fluid replacement. Heck there is still enough profit in labor hours for them to to the differential fluids.

Sometimes depending on how poor their monthly numbers are.. the manager will work deals like this at Big O.

fjlarry · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 11:41 am Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

Try calling Desert Rat in Phx at 19th Ave/Peoria area. Bet they will be cheaper for labor and do a better job.

calichaos · Obstacle Crusher Joined: Feb 08, 2011 Posts: 1979

Desert Rat
www.desertrat.com/

Desert Rat Off Road Centers
10701 N 19th Ave · (602) 973-9697

Desert Rat Off Road Centers
2421 E Bell Rd · (602) 404-2244

vaportrail · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 5:26 pm Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

Yeah-

I had to grab my hat when he let out that quote...

No way I'm shelling out a full stack just for labor! I'm already closing in on 2 for new tires and front end parts.

vaportrail · Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2018 11:00 pm Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

After soaking all the threads with PB blaster repeatedly, and letting it rest for a few hours in between coatings, my $20 Harbor Freight breaker bar was able to break everything free easily, despite rounded ball joint nuts from previous disassembly.

The axle nut was kind of scary. I was thinking that breaker bar was gonna snap, with all the torque from the 6 foot fence post we used as a cheater, but it came off with a BANG-

One issue we had, is the ball joint breaker tool I "borrowed" from Autozone didn't fit... The jaws are too narrow-

Picked up the 2 jaw tie rod and pitman arm puller from Harbor Freight $15 and it worked-

I've got it all apart, now I'm considering slapping the new cv shaft in and just leave the factory seals in it...

All buttoned up on the drivers side, didn't bother with the seals Smile

may have to do the job again, to replace those leaky seals, but Toyota front ends are gravy if you have the right tools. Great engineering design-

For me, the easiest part was removing the cv shaft...

It pried right out with a 36" sleever bar. I had to back it with something, I just grabbed my handy 1/2 in. drive ratchet and used the handle against the diff case, and pried on that. It popped out with minimal effort, and I had the new one right there, with the greased, and centered c clip, and it went in so easy, with minimal fluid loss.

The passenger side CV has a bigger gap to fill, to get something to pry off of. I used the ball joint separater against the frame to back up my pry. And again, it popped out with very little effort.

vaportrail · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 2:25 pm Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

calichaos wrote:

Desert Rat
www.desertrat.com/

I'll be using them for alignment.

It drives good, but I know it needs to be adjusted.

My Old man emu rear shocks are leaking, so I'll be planning the rear suspension next.

Jimbolio · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:13 pm Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

The new Bilstiens are pretty cool. Then again, you could call Glider about some Radflo's

vaportrail · Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 8:42 am Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

Thanks for the suggestions Jim

I have a unit (wheel) bearing and the control arms I want Brian to rebuild for me later.

I looked at just replacing the OME shocks. but like everything else, there are so many options for the rear suspension, it makes my head spin. Especially when I see the price of some of those parts- WOW

calichaos · Obstacle Crusher Joined: Feb 08, 2011 Posts: 1979

and some companies went through a re-branding to wash the past away...

yes looking at you Donahoe now ICON

www.nbclosangeles.com/...-Porn.html

vaportrail · Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 9:18 pm Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

That ICON stuff seems quite far out of my price range anyway-

I'm wondering, just what the advantages would be to upgrade the rear links to adjustables. Seems expensive, for what you get...

Jimbolio · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 7:08 am Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

Get some Sonoran steel back there and be done with it. Steve will hook you up. Rock crusher links.

www.sonoransteel.com/

vaportrail · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 10:00 pm Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

Jimbolio wrote:

Get some Sonoran steel back there and be done with it. Steve will hook you up. Rock crusher links.

Once again, thanks for the great link-

Rear bump stop upgrade???

Oh no, I don't want to get hooked...

toyo22r · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 1:20 pm Post subject: Re: Front end overhaul-

vaportrail wrote:

Jimbolio wrote:

Get some Sonoran steel back there and be done with it. Steve will hook you up. Rock crusher links.

Once again, thanks for the great link-

Rear bump stop upgrade???

Oh no, I don't want to get hooked...

$113 Daystar bump stops? That is a crazy markup. You can get on Amazon for $41 a pair.