Lifting my 97

[Bray D]

Yeah a bent axle (flange) will do that. My passenger side stock 8.8 shaft had a bent flange, and would make a noticable wobble going down the road. I can't count the number of times people told me my rim was bent...

I took my truck for a spin after swapping in the new Dutchman alloys, MUCH smoother ride.

 

[metalmacguyver]

Starting to iron out the bugs.

Replaced some steering parts yesterday and found the source of my death wobble wich was being amplified by loose steering.

Also found that my rear brake shoes are junk. Yay lifetime warranty.

I tore into the truck, pulled the PS pump and water pump. Found the water pump was still good. So I did what I should have started with and put the temp sensor in some really hot water to see what the dash gauge was reading. It seems to be the sensor. I some how got a bad one at the junkyard or the problem is actually in my wiring.



I started on making a new PS pump bracket. I learned from my mistakes and cut as little as possible off of this one and i drilled holes at corners to minimize stress risers and to top it all off, I am adding some 1/4" plate to it cause I like beefy shit.

Yummy. Maybe thats part of the reason my Ebrake hasnt been working as well as it used to....

Cracked PS pump bracket...... I have no idea how it was actually staying on there.

 

[Iron Ranger]

JEEZ!!!

How the heck did you crack that!? Can't tell me that wasn't held on by luck.

Probably for the better, now that you've made it bullet-proof

 

[Ranger44]

I think part of the problem of the bracket cracking is there being the gap.

I chosse to use an earlier style from a 90-92 4.0 as it actually completes the circle and seemed a bit stronger, since I'd have to clearence it for the "FORD" saginaw pump I have.

 

[metalmacguyver]

The fan clutch wrench kit i rented was junk. The wrenches were completely splayed so I had to make a 36mm wrench.

I will do the O2 sensors, rear brakes and axle shaft tomorrow.

 

[compleckz]

nice freakin welding dude

 

[Mechanickid]

haha when my dad worked at the ford dealership he made the same wrench. He used spring steal and cut it with a torch then cleaned it up with an angle grinder lol. I still use it every now and then.

 

[Iron Ranger]

Either your employed as a welder, or you learned some super-skills not many have.
Them welds look awesome and, more importantly, indestructable!!

That power pump ain't goin' anywhere!!

 

[Bray D]

Yeah man nice work on the bracket. How did you keep the metal from pulling on you while welding?

 

[metalmacguyver]

You see the spotty welds, that are made of a whole lot of tack welds? Well, by "stitching" along like that,the work piece doesnt get nearly as hot and doesnt warp as much. It worked out beautiful.

Thanks for all the nice words.

 

[Bray D]

Ahh, I can see the technique now. I wondered why the upper weld looked different haha.

 

[Sprag-O]

Nice welds Timmah...

Looks a little more beef then your last mount.

Props on drilling the holes instead of just cutting.

 

[metalmacguyver]

So I went and played a little bit yesterday.........

And I wasted no time at all wiping out my brand new $85 Moog Drag link.

Torch and BFH fixed the rest. I didnt have any other way of bending it back and I needed to get to work today. Yes I know its not the best idea to heat and bend steering components. Any one have any ideas on wearing that drag link out ASAP so I can get a new one under warranty?

 

[Destroyer000]

time for a skid plate!

 

[84projectFORD]

yeah, take it off and leave the nut on top so you can beat the hell of it straight down with a sledge or heavy hammer. im sure that will bust the nylon or steel out of it . trust me, ive done it before with some NAPA stuff for DPS in our shop to get the warrenty from NAPA