OK, I'll have to check out the Hazzard Relay. I missed that one. Good eyes Andrew!
Brake shoes were de-glazed with a bit of 80 grit paper.
It rides and handles very well. I did a bit of "spirited" driving coming back from Eric's and it is just fine up to where the extra digits come on. I like the feel and I'm sure that as I get it out to drive more, I'll like it a lot more.
Larry, it really is a drop in operation but several things to consider.
You want two guys for the extra hands needed, especially with the trailing arms going in and out.
Richard recommends installing his nylatron bushings with the new axles. I bought them, but did not install them as I have new bushings in mine with only 2,400 miles on them and they seem to be fine.
The rear is easier to drop than the front suspension, so if you have a good set of jack stands and a jack, with the helper it is easier than you think.
The harder side is the right side as the exhaust can be tricky to get around when torquing the adapters to the differential hubs and then the axle flanges to the adapters. Two pairs of hands helps here as well. You can get a wrench up through the exhaust to hold the nut, but need to torque it from the wheel side in. One outside and one under.
The big nut that goes on the axles is torqued to 250 Ft. Lbs (I believe, but may be 225, so you want good accurate torque wrenches for that part of it.
The instructions sent are very clear, but I added the pictures that I thought would make it easier for anyone to do it. I will add some arrows pointing to the spot whee the silicone goes, etc., to try to make it bit clearer. Between my site and
BobbyD's you should get a really good idea of what it takes to get it done.
Brakes will need to be bled, so another good reason for a helper.
And if anyone does this........do yourself a favor and do the studs at the same time and get them out of the way.