Well, I started at 07.30 and 7 hours later, I wearily put my tools away. Didn't actually feel very well this morning and man was it hot! A gallon of tea kept me going, plus the odd break here and there to have a wipe down. Hmm, nice.
Got the first damper off in under 5 minutes. Looked a good omen. Lost an hour trying to get one of the rear ARB links off. Had to leave it in the end. Still got the springs out though. Used the opposite wheel on ramps technique to give me enough flex. Lovely. Unbolted the damper mounting plates without issue. All the bolts on this thing are in good condition.
Front dampers were a different story. Threads clean, but they were so tight that even with a bar, I couldn't break them. Like Basil Fawlty, I decided that it needed to be taught a lesson. Magic things those 1mm Inox cutting discs. No messing. Bottom ones needed the nut splitter and Irwin extractors. Sproinggg! Done. Had to try a different technique on the front springs, better to drop the axle in line than one side at a time.
So, how's it look and feel.
Looks nice, back end slightly higher, waiting for the loading to come, much more clearance on the tow-plough that's for sure. To drive? Well, strangely it feels very normal. After riding on the stops for three weeks, anything would make it feel less like driving a trailer. Caster is fine. Steering was slightly heavy actually due to the fact that the springs had given up completely. Steering centers well, no issues under braking, Fine in the corners. So, overall, it feels very, well, normal. Oh, it's higher and undoubtedly will be better when I get to Lincomb, but it's very well mannered. I went with the B rated springs and Nitro shoxs.
Overall, very pleased. But could have done with another pair of hands and more cold drinks that's for sure. Will have to replenish body fluids tonight, if only I could think of a way .......
Chris
Got the first damper off in under 5 minutes. Looked a good omen. Lost an hour trying to get one of the rear ARB links off. Had to leave it in the end. Still got the springs out though. Used the opposite wheel on ramps technique to give me enough flex. Lovely. Unbolted the damper mounting plates without issue. All the bolts on this thing are in good condition.
Front dampers were a different story. Threads clean, but they were so tight that even with a bar, I couldn't break them. Like Basil Fawlty, I decided that it needed to be taught a lesson. Magic things those 1mm Inox cutting discs. No messing. Bottom ones needed the nut splitter and Irwin extractors. Sproinggg! Done. Had to try a different technique on the front springs, better to drop the axle in line than one side at a time.
So, how's it look and feel.
Looks nice, back end slightly higher, waiting for the loading to come, much more clearance on the tow-plough that's for sure. To drive? Well, strangely it feels very normal. After riding on the stops for three weeks, anything would make it feel less like driving a trailer. Caster is fine. Steering was slightly heavy actually due to the fact that the springs had given up completely. Steering centers well, no issues under braking, Fine in the corners. So, overall, it feels very, well, normal. Oh, it's higher and undoubtedly will be better when I get to Lincomb, but it's very well mannered. I went with the B rated springs and Nitro shoxs.
Overall, very pleased. But could have done with another pair of hands and more cold drinks that's for sure. Will have to replenish body fluids tonight, if only I could think of a way .......
Chris