I'm finally driving my truck again. The suspension has been completely rebuilt sans new torsion bars. The disc brake kit came from Classic Performance Products as did the front end kit. The remote power booster is from Master Power Brakes. The control shaft assemblies came from NAPA, the trailing arms came from Early Classic Enterprises, the rear springs from Classic Parts of America. I did the break down and assembly myself. The A arms, panhard bar, rear hubs and other small parts were media blasted and powdercoated by NW Powdercoating. The steering box was rebuilt by Redhead steering. I chickened out when it came to installing the new hard brake line so I had a local speed shop do it for me. They used a copper/nickel brake line (the same stuff Volvo and Audi use). I also had them nut and bolt everything and give the truck a front end alignment. My neighbor helped me adjust rhe rear brakes and properly set the proportioning valve and everything is good to go.
I only drove it a little bit last night, but everything felt nice and tight. I'm pleased with the brakes. The pedal is not as sensative as I thought it might be and that is good. But if you press a little harder, it does stop fast.
There were only a few setbacks. The new trailing arms showed up full of water. They forgot to plug the holes during the wash cycle following the powdercoating. It took a few days of keeping them by the heater to dry out. The rear springs cause the truck to sit a bit lower than stock. At least an inch, maybe 2. They were supposed to be stock height. I personally like a taller stance, but can live with it. Other people seem to like it. I also learned that there are no new replacements for the torsion bars and the main bolt/bumper for the lower ball joints/A-arm. Also no available sway bars without fabrication.
Other than that, everything is great so far. I'll be using it tonight to help a buddy move. It should be a good test!
Last edited by bigmacdaddy; 05/06/2008 10:20 PM.
