Its lookin' like it time for an upgrade - Passed the road test!

[72bluNblu]

I got a few questions....

1 - Where can I get replacement ball joint boots???   Cashed the lowers upon removal.

2 - The car measured 3/4 higher on the right side.  24 1/2 compared to 25 1/4  She always looked level, is this normal???

3 - Going to put offset bushings in the UCA's.  I heard somewhere to install one in one out insted of both in (the offset towards the car) am I nuts???   

Your  appriciated. 

Gonna do more tomorrow... stay tuned 

1. Energy sells ball joint boots too... http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ens-5-13102g/overview/year/1972/make/dodge/model/challenger

2. Not unheard of. Measured from the ground to the fender lip right? Keep in mind with that measurement you also assume the fenders have the same wheel arch and they're mounted the same way, the ground is level, your tires have the same pressure, etc. But assuming its not the body- Torsion bar adjustments may have been a bit different, or the torsion bars may have sagged a little differently over time. Rear spring arches may not be identical, or the same issue with sagging unequally. And then there's always the +/- a 1/4" on the frame specs from the factory... . More than likely the car isn't bent. 

3. See below for the correct way to install the offset bushings. This set up will maximize your positive caster. 

[brads70]

In addition read this post regarding your fender measurements?
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=91591.0

[BIGSHCLUNK]

1. Energy sells ball joint boots too... http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ens-5-13102g/overview/year/1972/make/dodge/model/challenger

2. Not unheard of. Measured from the ground to the fender lip right? Keep in mind with that measurement you also assume the fenders have the same wheel arch and they're mounted the same way, the ground is level, your tires have the same pressure, etc. But assuming its not the body- Torsion bar adjustments may have been a bit different, or the torsion bars may have sagged a little differently over time. Rear spring arches may not be identical, or the same issue with sagging unequally. And then there's always the +/- a 1/4" on the frame specs from the factory... . More than likely the car isn't bent. 

3. See below for the correct way to install the offset bushings. This set up will maximize your positive caster. 

1 - Thanks for the link!! I thought maybe Summit.   

2 - Yes, the measure was from the top of the fender arch. Although the rear springs are sorta new ( MOPAR XHD's maybe 5-6K miles) I realize theyre not all "exactly" the same. Im sure the T's are original, and I know are "soft" so makes sense. 

3 - OK so I'm not NUTS.... altho many may debate this............. 

Thanks for the  or this this case            

[BIGSHCLUNK]

In addition read this post regarding your fender measurements?
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=91591.0

Brad, thanks for the link, usefull info for sure. 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Today I figured I'd drop the UCA's blast and paint. Should be a few hours no big deal...

[brads70]

Why what did you find now that you need more parts for?
A hoist! Sheeesh your spoiled!

[BIGSHCLUNK]

But what the he11 do I know...

Droped the spindles first, then the fun started. The front UCA bolts on both sides were not to bad. Took a little guntin' but not to bad. Then the games began. Mt first recomendation - If you putting a HEMI in your car, do this job before the motor goes in. You will have np clearance and no leverage. Pass side probly took me 45 mins just to get the bolt out and drop the arm. I found this was needed anyway - bushing was shot.   

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Why what did you find now that you need more parts for?
A hoist! Sheeesh your spoiled!

Ol' BIGS dont need to be workin' that hard! And hey its still cold in my garage!!! 


So then onto the rear bolt on the left side.................................................        I think total time  2 1/2 hrs... ppphhhttt!! Finally when I thought I was makin' progress... SNAP!

Flush w the inside..  Thought maybe I could impact it thru.....  NOT!  I had to hold it and have my buddy sawsall the bushing and the bolt without doing damage to the arm! Good team effort, finally got the arm out.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

We nuked out the old bushings (torch and tool)

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Then I blasted and painted them... by this time it was after 7PM. Thought I'd be done by 3... 

Tomorrow order up the new ball joint boots and BOLTS!

[brads70]

Looking great! 
If it was me, I'd just buy new ball joints instead of buying the boots? Your this far.... ? Now is the time?

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I'm with you on the "this far". Which is generally how I do it too! But theyre nice and tight. Just need the boots because of the fork... 

[Got JOB]

Just a thought. Careful if you open your doors, that elephant in front is heavy and  could be a lot of flex on the front rails.

[CUDA JAS]

Then I blasted and painted them... by this time it was after 7PM. Thought I'd be done by 3... 

Tomorrow order up the new ball joint boots and BOLTS!

Did you press out the UCA bushings, or just the rubber parts of the bushing???

Jason

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Burned ... then pushed!   


So today I call another buddy to press my new LCA bushings. He says I broke the press awhile back and never fixed it.