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Tools needed to remove front & rear suspension

drooartz

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So I've got a line on a parts car and arranged to buy all the bits I need for a disc brake conversion on my Bugeye. Only complication is it is about an hour away from me, and I'll need to pull the parts myself. So I need to make sure I've got all the necessary tools packed.

I'm taking the fronts from the shocks around to the a-arms; rear axles half shafts, rear hubs, drum brake backing plates, rear diff.

basic sockets/wrenches
socket for the rear hubs (1-7/8")
long bolts for dropping the front spring pans
floor jack and stands
tool for cracking tie rod ends

What else do I need? It's a long drive back if I forget something.
 

AN5Sprite

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Off the top of my head:

18V impact gun
propane torch
PB Blaster
4' breaker bar
B.F.H
vise grips & needle nose pliers
cold chisels (lock tabs)
medium size ball-peen hammer

Or:
Sawzall :devilgrin:
 

Jim_Gruber

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Pickle fork to separate ball joint if you need steering arms. PB BLASTER lots if it. Saw all to cut the inner bolts apart.tou can slice between chassis mount and a arm pretty easily. What year parts car? You'll need steering arms if parts car >'72. Plan on cutting things out or you will be there all day. Carefully check A-arms for cracks. I spent all day trying to pull a '68 apart to get a set of wishbones only to find both cracked and unusable.

If sway bar is there pull it as well. Apple Hydraulics can re bush a arms and Peter C can ream kingpins.
 
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drooartz

drooartz

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Thanks for the ideas, guys.

Parts car is a '75. Planning on grabbing the steering arms already. Will thrown a sawzall and torch into the tool bag.
 
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drooartz

drooartz

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Rendevous with the old parts car is on for Monday after work. Got my tool kit assembled, just need to pick up a sawzall on my way down into the city.

I'm not really ready for these parts yet, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Cars are a bit thin on the ground around here, so you have to jump when opportunity knocks.
 

apbos

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Not a tool, but zip lock bags, a sharpe and your camera will help keep things organized. I know you have done it before, but leaving an important bolt behind will only cost $$$$
Paul
 
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drooartz

drooartz

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Good thought on the ziploc bags and sharpie. Will add to the kit.
 
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drooartz

drooartz

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All packed and ready to head over there after work. Wish me luck!

packedfordissassemble.jpg
 
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drooartz

drooartz

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Got some good use out of that tool, Rick. :smile:

Got about 1/2 way done last night, heading back today to finish up. Sawzall was the trick for the a-arms -- not entirely sure the a-arms will be salvageable, but the disc brake hubs and uprights look okay under a thick coating of grease and gunk. Still have to remove the LH a-arm and pull the rear end.
 
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drooartz

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Where is it? Let me know if you need an extra hand.

Thanks, but I think I'm covered. Car is up in Syracuse (out by Antelope Island). Bit of a drive, but I got the bits cheap so it's worth a bit of effort.
 

Jim_Gruber

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Drew,

Just be careful working under there!!!
 

bug_sixty

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With the A-arms...most of them need new braised in ends.... which now a days it's probably cheaper to buy the hole A arm thing brandy new! what do you think?
 

bug_sixty

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Oh also, for the rear, I just gave in and bought a cheap 1 7/8's socket to get the nut off..other than that the bearings need to be pressed on... heck I just used my big vise... as far as removal... just pick the right size socket and go after it!
 

Jim_Gruber

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The good A-Arms i.e. same as on RB Spridgets which are much heavier duty were $250+ last time I looked. Cheaper grade runs $150 or so from usual suspects. I just had a set cleaned up and rebushed for $230 with shipping both ways. Took 5-7 Business Days for turn around. IF A-Arms are not cracked, and that's always an if, still cheaper to rebush.
 
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drooartz

drooartz

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I've got the bug socket for the rear nut, so should just be able to grab the bits I need. With the sawzall the a-arms weren't too bad, and a bit quicker than trying to un-goop the spindles for now. I will likely wind up buying new good-quality a-arms once I get to that point, a fair ways to go before I'm ready for that.

Shortly headed out to finish up the work. One way or another I'll be done with this tonight.
 
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