FTBR IRS upgrade install

[Mac99Snake]

Evening update:

Got the subframe bushings in. I had to use the threaded rod tool to seat them.

Before

During

After with the differential reinstalled

Everything back together....I hope. The right side LCA was a bit difficult, but I eventually worked it out. Nothing is torqued to spec yet.

Bruce, do you see any glaring errors?

Front

Rear

Thoughts on the reassembly: Having a friend would have been very helpful. Have a sequence for reassembly: Bushings, diff, LCAs, UCA's, Halfshafts, Knuckle, Swaybar, end links, and rear steer/tie rod. I had to go back and forth a couple times.

This is fun

Mac99Snake

 

[ac427cobra]

Bruce, do you see any glaring errors?

Mac99Snake

From what I can see it looks good! :thumbsup:

This is fun

Mac99Snake

I like so see this kind of enthusiasm. :beer: As you know this is a time consuming, labor intensive job, but it's not overly hard. I try to tell people to not be intimidated by this project. Think of the knowledge you've gained regarding your rear suspension after doing this project!

:-D

 

[vadorsnake04]

great job! it looks so much nicer after you have cleaned/painted everything! this is on my list to get done this winter after fixing and installing my motor.

 

[03mgtermi]

brings back memories!

 

[Mac99Snake]

Done for the evening

All the torque requirements:

Almost made it on the first try.

Definitely spread the torque boxes. I got three of the 4 subframe mounting bolts in. The driver's side forward is just a hair off. I think I'll have to drop it again and file out the hole just a little. I tried persuasion...didn't budge. Not too bad for solo without a lift.

Late evening fun

Mac99Snake

 

[ac427cobra]

Definitely spread the torque boxes. I got three of the 4 subframe mounting bolts in. The driver's side forward is just a hair off. I think I'll have to drop it again and file out the hole just a little. I tried persuasion...didn't budge. Not too bad for solo without a lift.

Late evening fun

Mac99Snake

If you have an impact gun you should be able to "thread" that bolt in through the torque box if it's off a little bit.

 

[01cobravortech]

Great job Mac99Snake, you are almost giving me the courage to do this on my own. Definitely post your driving review when the time comes. Would love to read it.

 

[shb5007]

Can't wait to do this in the spring!!!!!

 

[03cobraracer]

that came out great! i wanna do this so bad i wish i had my car with me. i was gonna have someone else do this but im just gonna do it myself now im determined

 

[Mac99Snake]

Fini!

ITS DONE!

I got home today from a weekend work trip and decided to knock it out. I dropped the IRS again and started with the opposite side, got the bolt in and with a bit of work got the other front mount bolt in. I'm thinking "I got this", and then looked at the 2 extra washers in my parts pile......crap. So out they came and on went the washers. Luckily it went back together with out too much pain. I strung the antiskid and brakelines, then put the rear mount bolts in. Then got everything torqued down. Re-installed the brakes with new rear rotors, the E-brake cable and new axle nuts.

Right side:

Left Side:

Driveshaft and exhaust next. Of course the exhaust uses SAE wrenches. Lastly wheels.

From the brief spin around the block (too late to check wheel hop) no increase in NVH that I could tell and it feels silky smooth with no clunk.

Further driving impressions to come with a full road test. I'll also probably come up with a list of helpful hints from my experience.

This is fun!

Mac99Snake

 

[SVT_Troy]

did you have to spread the front mounting area any like shown on Bruce's site to get it back in smoothly?

 

[Mac99Snake]

Yes, I tried once without widening the torque box, no go. Go ahead and open them up.

Mac99Snake

 

[SVT_Troy]

what did you use to open it up with?

 

[Mac99Snake]

The threaded rod and plates provided in the FTBR installation tools.

Mac