FROM THE DRIVER SEAT
With the front suspension back together and cycling smoothly on the new bushings, I drove the truck a short distance to a nearby alignment shop. The shop had no trouble getting the front suspension back to OEM specs thanks to the new suspension components from Belltech and Energy Suspension. Finally, I hit the road in the truck and the drive was impressive. For a 4,000-plus-pound pickup, it corners remarkably well, staying very flat through turns that would normally make the truck feel like it was going to tip over. The tires are also quite grippy and I'm able to take the same corners almost 20 mph faster than I used to without the tires screeching in protest. The suspension is fairly stiff, but when it's exercised over potholes, the dampers and foam rubber bumpstops do an excellent job of controlling the travel. Best of all, the new bushings do not squeak and the extra control is a welcomed addition to an improved custom truck. The next stop on the Pickup Fix-Up Tour is to Classic Industries, where we'll grab all the restoration parts for the body and interior of the Brown Bomber. We'll see you next month.
Time Spent Working: 4 Hours
Degree Of Difficulty: Intermediate
(only because a press and air tools are needed to get the bushings in and out)
Tools Needed:
Air impact, 1/2-inch, 9/16-inch. 3/4-inch sockets, jack and jackstands, air chisel/hammer
Parts Used:
Energy Suspension front control arm bushings ENS-3-3161R $56.75
TOTAL: $56.75
(price from Summitracing.com and does not include shipping and/or tax)