Decided this would be a good idea in order to get to the underside and clean/re-paint everything properly. Also need to replace ball joints, want to check torsion leaves etc etc.
Pretty easy job - I replaced the beam back in about '96 (centre pivot was corroded on original) - the 8 main bolts came undone pretty easily. So, unbolted it all, and then started to 'tap' the wheel hubs on each side to gradually lower the beam assembly down off the chassis - I wanted to remove it all in one, and disassemble all the steering arms etc when off the van.
Got to about here, and didn't seem to want to go any further...
doh...! You know what's coming next don't you....yep, for got about all the stuff that actually threads through the beam itself - basic error! :roll:
So - there I am bouncing up and down on the beam, gradually bending the s*ding gear rod. Quite a lot. In fact, it creased, and in the end I had to cut it - any one got a spare?!
Whilst under there, noticed the handbrake cables - undid them. Still wouldn't drop - clutch cable.
Still - got there in the end!
Surprisingly, all the ball joints came undone, so pretty quick to strip the beam down to its basic parts. Just need to wipe off all that grease and check everything. I think I'll go the 'exchange' route with the suspension arms and ball joints.
Leaves me nice easy access to the underside:
I've started the job now, so despite the temptation to just plaster everything in tar, I have to remove the remains of waxoyl and underseal, before I can re-paint. Once the front has been done, I'll move into the middle!
Will update with pictures as I go.
Pretty easy job - I replaced the beam back in about '96 (centre pivot was corroded on original) - the 8 main bolts came undone pretty easily. So, unbolted it all, and then started to 'tap' the wheel hubs on each side to gradually lower the beam assembly down off the chassis - I wanted to remove it all in one, and disassemble all the steering arms etc when off the van.
Got to about here, and didn't seem to want to go any further...
doh...! You know what's coming next don't you....yep, for got about all the stuff that actually threads through the beam itself - basic error! :roll:
So - there I am bouncing up and down on the beam, gradually bending the s*ding gear rod. Quite a lot. In fact, it creased, and in the end I had to cut it - any one got a spare?!
Whilst under there, noticed the handbrake cables - undid them. Still wouldn't drop - clutch cable.
Still - got there in the end!
Surprisingly, all the ball joints came undone, so pretty quick to strip the beam down to its basic parts. Just need to wipe off all that grease and check everything. I think I'll go the 'exchange' route with the suspension arms and ball joints.
Leaves me nice easy access to the underside:
I've started the job now, so despite the temptation to just plaster everything in tar, I have to remove the remains of waxoyl and underseal, before I can re-paint. Once the front has been done, I'll move into the middle!
Will update with pictures as I go.
