Suspension project update #2! Lots of questions this time.. *PICS*

[CottonBurnerz]

Well I got around and did my rear LCA's today.. I can't put the new shocks on now because I need the springs first. But the stockers are off.

Anyhow, here are some questions. Answer as many as you can. Thanks

1. What would happen if you tighten the LCA pivot bolt too hard (more than recommended tq)?

2. Should the LCA just drop down without any forces at all when only the pivot bolt is the only bolt in. (If you tighten it pretty hard, it won't move down on its own). So, should it be like that? Or does that mean I overtighten the bolt.

3. Any tips on getting the LCA line up to the axle.. it's going to be a while after I tried to do it without springs..

4. Since I got aftermarket LCA, should I remove the quadshocks and rear sway bar? Will I benefit from removing those parts? What are the down sides?

5. Anymore tips would be very grateful.

Here are some pics of today's work:

Estimate time: 5 hours

Project finish: Tuesday May 11th or 12th (depend on the time UPS man deliver my springs)

Glad I got everything done..

 

[MDGT]

Sorry I can't help you much with the first 3 questions but you definitely don't want to remove your rear sway bar. I also wouldn't recommend removing your quad shocks (unless they're busted, of course) until you replace your UCAs as the quad shocks help minimize wheel hop.

 

[JonJon]

There was a thread a week or so ago where people said with aftermarket LCA's, you could remove your quad shock but it really didn't make a difference either way.

Realigning the LCA with axle was tough the first time we did it, but with much jacking and pulling we got it to line up. It -really- helps with another set of hands. I don't really know of any tips to give you, it just took a little patience and a lot of cursing.

 

[CottonBurnerz]

There was a thread a week or so ago where people said with aftermarket LCA's, you could remove your quad shock but it really didn't make a difference either way.

Realigning the LCA with axle was tough the first time we did it, but with much jacking and pulling we got it to line up. It -really- helps with another set of hands. I don't really know of any tips to give you, it just took a little patience and a lot of cursing.

what about overtighting the LCA to the chasis?

Guess I'll leave the quad shocks and sway bar in...

oh yea my pinky got scraped while removing first shock... I forgot how many times i said **** and **** lol. It was pretty easy all around..

A dude with a 5.0 stopped by and ask what am I doing now.. had a nice little chat.. He'll come by when I finished and listen to my exhaust.

2 more days and i'll be done

 

[stangman]

man lining up the axle & the control arm is a huuuuuge pain. when i lowered mine it took forever to finish because chris & i couldn't figure out how the control arm shrank 2" we were like what the !@#$. then we figured out that the axle had rotated backwards, because we jacked it up in the wrong spot so i got some mechanics gloves, grabbed the rotor, & lifted the axle up, while pushing it forward & rotating it, all at the same time. it sucked baaad, but we finally got it done. there is prolly a easier way , but that's how i did it

 

[Ryan L]

The quad shocks are no longer needed. Keep the rear sway bar.

 

[KaPPaBaLL]

ahh, you lucky bastid.

 

[CottonBurnerz]

The quad shocks are no longer needed. Keep the rear sway bar.

Well I don't think it weights that much and it couldn't really hurt staying there... what's the purpose of it anyway?

And no one can tell me what will happen if I overtighten the LCA?

 

[KaPPaBaLL]

Well I don't think it weights that much and it couldn't really hurt staying there... what's the purpose of it anyway?

And no one can tell me what will happen if I overtighten the LCA?

quad shock is there for overall support of the rear end. but you don't need it anymore because of the upgrade parts.

As for the overtightening of the pivot bolt of the LCA. My guess would be don't overtighten (to the point where it doesn't move when it's the only bolt there), it may cause binding or worse premature bushing wear. Just incase i would check the pivot bolt if it gets loose during time- time to tighten it more than previous time.

 

[CottonBurnerz]

quad shock is there for overall support of the rear end. but you don't need it anymore because of the upgrade parts.

As for the overtightening of the pivot bolt of the LCA. My guess would be don't overtighten (to the point where it doesn't move when it's the only bolt there), it may cause binding or worse premature bushing wear. Just incase i would check the pivot bolt if it gets loose during time- time to tighten it more than previous time.

Thanks.. I guess I'll remove the quad shocks..

One more question, is it okay if the 3 piece bushings that MM provided does not completely in contact of each other? Or should they all be in contact? it has this little bitty tiny gap that won't go in together..

 

[KaPPaBaLL]

Thanks.. I guess I'll remove the quad shocks..

One more question, is it okay if the 3 piece bushings that MM provided does not completely in contact of each other? Or should they all be in contact? it has this little bitty tiny gap that won't go in together..

that would be something maximum motorsports should give better information on. Email or call them to see what exactly is going on.

 

[CottonBurnerz]

Well I mean the gap can be close.. but there is a part of bushing sticking out at the end.. I used jack stands to compress it in to the car subframe but that's as far as it goes.. I'll see what I can do.. thanks for the suggestions.