Weekend Project on 18 TRD OR LB

I plan on thoroughly washing the undercarriage and PB Blasting nuts and bolts I'll be breaking loose beforehand. ECGS bushing is OTW so doing that too. Any other tips before I get started on Friday???

 

Should’ve got some hammer hangers

 

Ahhh, I knew I was forgetting something....

 

Looks like a wheelers off-road setup. Excellent choice. I ordered the same for my 21 OR. Should be in this week. I look forward to your build!

 

When is your alignment appointment?

 

Yup, that's it. Just went for the JBA UCAs instead. Seems like best bang for buck going right now for what I need done. Just a little concerned about the AllPro leaf packs but we'll see. I feel confident about the shocks though. I'll try to be diligent about documenting the journey. Now trying to decide if I need to replace the leaf hangers...

 

Monday 7:30!

 

Pretty much the same deal for me. I went with the Icon deltajoint UCA's instead. I live in Michigan and I was to worried about salt on the allpro uniballs. I'll let you know how it goes with mine, hopefully next week.

 

and some gusset spindles

@m00seNUckLEz can get you some by Friday I think haha depending where you're located

 

Hmmm, maybe next time I'm in there for the LCAs. But thanks for the suggestion. I'll try and shop for some used ones and have them fabbed up beforehand.

 

What about replacing shock/leaf pack bolts???? Run with existing or replace? Upgrade to grade 8 or run stock???

 

I just installed the JBA also this past weekend and they were a PITA to get on because they are a tight fit with almost no tolerance to get the second inner spacer in. Had to play with different angles and lubed it up really good to slide the spacer in and tapped it in place with a mallet.

 

Yeah, read about that. Another suggestion was to try and lightly hammer the bushings in further. I thought about pressing them in more and see how that works. Worst case is I'll call them tomorrow and see it that'll be acceptable by them.

 

Ok. ECGS bushing and new seal installed but can’t get the CV axle back in the diff. Ugh, any suggestions???

 

NM, got it. Not sure how but it's in there. Working on the UCA fender fold back now. Uggg...

BTW, on the clamshell bearing change out, had to remove the brake caliper and the steering knuckle in order to get the CV shaft out and back in. It would not come out of the steering knuckle without trashing the inner seal. Seems long for some reason. A few extra bolts to remove but hopefully worth the time. Needs a brake job anyways...

 

FINALLY!!! It's done. Most of the hard labor was done over the 3 day weekend but spend the past week tracking down a drive line vibe. I swear, I spent half of my time going through TW on all the "how to's" for this project. It really wasn't that fun but glad I save the $$$ doing it myself. And I know more about my truck now, at least drive line and suspension. I guess the pulled back muscle and busted knuckle (yes, but only one!) was worth it. Tracing down this vibration is doing my head in though. I've pulled my rear axle no less than 4 times trying shims and such. I pretty much have it sorted out with a 2 degree shim but my yoke and TC are still about 1/2 degree out from each other. I'll order a 2.5 degree shim and see if that takes care of the rest. Ended up with 3" in the front and 4" in the back, at the moment. Hopefully the back will settle down a bit. If not, I'm willing to live with it. Handles like a dream. Feels stiff but in a good way and handles all bumps like butter. Worth the upgrade. Attached is my alignment numbers with stock tires. Pics coming soon after I fill the void with bigger tires.

 

Post up pics OP

 

Here are some pics of mostly the front in process:

Here's what it took with an air hammer to get the UCA bolt out. Ugly but it worked.




Doing the ECGS clamshell bushing swap...



The 19mm ratcheting wrench is definitely your friend here




Using a pry bar to gently position the JBA UCA in place was a breeze. Just get your bolt and first washers started and slide into place...



ABS line was a bit tight on the passenger side so I was able to pull some slack from either end of the mounted strain relief.




Front completed..




Doing the leaf packs was kind of boring so I didn't document that too much, but here's the final produce. 3" in front and 4" in rear at the moment...
Yes, I know, the tires look small....



Next to a stock '21

 

Still working out a driveline vibration but hope the 2.5 degree shims will take care of it. That’s how much difference I have between the TC and diff yoke. Currently have 2 degrees in now and it’s much better, just not completely gone yet.

 

I'm looking at the same suspension kit right now too, but I think I will pick up spc uca instead. I originally just wanted 2 or 2.5 inches of lift and not 3, but this lift kit and the savings is hard to beat especially because they're running 15% off right now. Does the rear shocks come with clamps to mount them on to the shock body it self or to the frame? The only problem now is that I'd like to install this kit my self, but winter is here. So either I wait until spring or find a shop to install.