My OME install/front end REbuild thread

I don't think it qualifies as a "build thread" but this is for those bored souls (like myself) who like seeing pictures. Hopefully it'll motivate some folks to tackle this project themselves.

Keep in mind I've never done any of this suspension work myself. 1st timer here so if you see me doing something wrong, let me know.

Here's what's going on my truck, minus the ITR's and the drivers side OTR.

I bought this OME kit from 4wheelparts. The steering was bad on my 02 DC. The truck liked to wander on the highway and if I was driving in a stiff cross wind, it would get pretty white knuckle, quick.

For the LBJ and UBJ I went with OEM. Both ITR's and drivers side OTR I went with NAPA high end stuff. The passenger side OTR is OEM. Sounds funky but I wasn't very smart about acquiring the parts mentioned.



Couple questions...

-Which leaf goes to which side of the truck? I heard they are side specific.
-Which rear shock goes on the drivers side? Kind of confused here as I've heard the drivers side is different yet the 2 rear shocks that came in the kit have the same part #.
-Are the front struts side specific?

Starting this project tomorrow morning so I'll have a bunch of new pics to add. Thanks for looking.

 

Wheelers answered a couple of my questions...

On the dakars, RA= drivers side and RB= passenger side

On the rear shocks, they should both be the same part #

 

Got it done. No pics due to lack of interest and I was too busy cussing the truck the whole time. Here's some things I took away from the project...

-rebuild in the front end and installing the OME lift SUCKS when you have no help, no garage, and no air or power tools.
-Dakar leaf packs are a bastard to lift in by yourself.
-my back hurts and I now have a CEL.
-truck drives so much better. Steering wheel is in the same place it was before and it even drives a little straighter.
-Napa high end steering parts are repackaged moogs.
-laying in gravel isn't very much fun.

 

Well I'll chime in with a big for doing it yourself!
Any thoughts on why you got a CEL from doing suspension work?

 

During this project I flushed my power steering. I unplugged that connection that attaches to the front of the timing cover on the passenger side-ish. I also disconnected the MAF sensor plug so I could remove the air box to put the PS reservoir back on. Those are the only things on the motor I took apart.

The only other thing I did was disconnect the ABS sensor when I pulled the spindle. It could be something went out as I was doing this job as in a coincendence. I'll go to oriellys tomorrow to have them pull up any codes.

I'm one sore dude. Always surprised how working on the truck makes my muscles sore.

 

Props for doing it yourself.
When I got my suspension done a couple of years ago (same set up you have), I wish I did it myself. I just didn't have the time, and was a little leery on the project. Especially with the front.

 

You might try disconnecting the negative cable on your battery for 30 min to an hour, that may clear up that code.

 

I thought about doing that but if something is giving me a cel. Shouldn't I have it checked?

 

For peace of mind ya,
Just figured if you didn't have it before your front end work, it's probably just related to unplugging something.
If it's an actual issue out will come back on after the battery is hooked back up.
Wouldn't hurt to get it checked just to know

 

Nice job man, post some pics!

 

Another note on the UBJ's. I fought with pullers and separators but in the end I paid $60 to have the old ones popped out and the new ones pressed in. If you don't have a press, don't waste your time. It'll eat up too much time.

 

The new stuff installed. Didn't take any before pics.

Here's the old stuff


New stuff installed

 

Went and had the ecm scanned because I got a check engine light after I worked on the ps pump. As I pulled into oriellys the light went off. Still found a P0110 code. I took the air box out to reattach the reservoir and I had to disconnect the MAF sensor plug. I think this is why I had that code. Negative terminal is unplugged as I post this. I have to get my smog done for registration purposes in the morning and I hope that light doesn't come back on before then.

 

Does it still wander on the highway?

 

I haven't had it out on the highway yet. I am trying to get it aligned tomorrow morning hopefully so I don't want to drive it much yet

 

Quick question...

How far can I drive without an alignment? Funds are short til the end of the week.

The steering wheel is centered when I'm driving straight. When I let go of the wheel it doesn't pull harshly to one side or the other. I was sure to count the turns on the OTR when I removed them.

I may have drive 4 hours round trip to pay my respects to my grandmother. I can't not go but don't want to damage any parts I just installed. Tires I don't care about much.

 

Not sure on alignment. Do you have before and after pics of lift?

 

Here's my alignment from yesterday. I have no idea what any of this means. Good? Bad?

 

bump

 

Well, youre good to go now obviously. The measurements are in degrees and red is out of spec, green is in. It does look like however they couldnt quite get the front right camber within spec. But its very close andwont hurt a thing. Dont sweat it. It can be tricky sometimes to get a perfect alignment after lifting our trucks, especially if your in the rust belt. Another scenario, ... If ya go a full 3 inches and dont use aftermarket upper control arms that can sometimes cause it to be difficult to achieve an alignment thats dead nuts on.