Question for a Suspension Expert

[tyheid2002]

I went to the shop with my 1991 S-10 4x4 4.3 and they told me what I didn't want to hear. They said that my front end was shot and that it would cost me $800 to get it fixed and re-aligned. I am curious what comes in a suspension lift kit and whether I can get away with just buying a kit and getting it put on and that will fix my front end???????????

[1993blazerlt]

a lift kit is not going to come with the components that you will need to fix your front end. 800 is not a bad price a shop wanted 2000 to do mine i did it my self for around 200 dollars and a days work. Also the parts that i bought are liftime warenty so when they wear out again i can get new ones for free.

[tyheid2002]

What kind of tools and special equipment am I going to need to do my front end by myself if I decide to.Also would you recommend me do it myself? and if so do I put the lift kit on at the same time?

[blazen]

$800 aint that bad though. i paid $500 (got life time warrenty)just for all my parts for my front end. that was just bushings, and ball joints and stuff like that. i'll tell you though it was worth it my truck drives great. it goes perfectally straight (doesn't pull) everything is tight. but i put it all in my self.

on most s10's with origional ball joints and stuff your gonna have to grind out the rivits (i used a cut off wheel) and fight the ball joints out (i used an air chisle). (if there not origional they'll be bolted in) when you buy new ones they come with bolts not rivits. your also gonna need a ball joint fork to remove them. if you have some knowlage you can do it or if you have some one with knowlage it will be alot easier. just remember that this is your suspension so take your time and do it right

oh and welcome to sic.......post away

[tyheid2002]

alright y'all! Tell me what I will need, in list form, to rebuild my front end and the special tools that I might need to do it too. I really appreciate the help and nice pic blazen.

[lowriderbowtie]

All you really need for suspension work is a floor jack, jack stands, a set of wrenches, and a good socket set...and of course a good understanding of the S10 4x4 suspension. I dont know much about 4x4, so i couldnt help you to much

Good luck with everything tho man

[blazen]

I'm not 100% sure if this is all your gonna need but if anyone else thinks of anything just add it to the list.

sockets/wrenches= these are tools you always need
grinder/cut off wheel= to remove rivets if there are rivets holding in ball joints
ball joint fork= makes it alot easier to get them apart people have used pry bars and stuff but the fork just makes it easier
air chisel/chisel and hammer= to get the ball joints off after you remove the rivets
jack=obviously
jack stands=so you don't die

those are all the special tool and some of the others i cant think of any other at the moment but if there are others i will remember them or someone else will


and yes everyone loves that pic

[1993blazerlt]

you will also need a tierod fork. If you have an auto zone near you they will loan you the tools. You will also need a socket for the hub nut it is some thing like 36mm. A puller is also neede to remove the CV shaft from the Hub.

[s10blazed]

The 4x4 uses a torsion bar setup in the front instead of coil springs. It can be tricky to work with. Even trickier to remove with alot of rust build up. You will need some way to notch the crossmember to get a 2 jaw-ed pulled on it if you have a reason to remove the torsion bars. A lift kit will require that you remove them, basic maintenace replacement parts typically will not.

What exaclty did you need replaced?

[bvr775]

you just unload the supension and remove the key bolt and lower arm bolts. torsion bar will slide right out. I just did one a hour ago.

[Sparky2263]

To inspect the ball joints, ck. the picture.

Here's the replacement instructions;


REMOVE OR DISCONNECT


Raise the vehicle and support it with suitable safety stands.
Wheel and tire.
Cotter pin (130) and Nut (131).
Ball joint (127) from the knuckle (117) and support the knuckle.
Rivets from the ball joint (127).
Use a 3.175 mm (1/8-inch) drill to cut a 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) hole in the center of each rivet.
Drill the rivet heads away using a 12.7 mm (1/2-inch) drill.
Using a pin punch, remove the rivets.
Ball joint (127).

[blazen]

The 4x4 uses a torsion bar setup in the front instead of coil springs. It can be tricky to work with. Even trickier to remove with alot of rust build up. You will need some way to notch the crossmember to get a 2 jaw-ed pulled on it if you have a reason to remove the torsion bars. A lift kit will require that you remove them, basic maintenace replacement parts typically will not.

What exaclty did you need replaced?

when i had to loosen mine i put a huge pipe wrench as close to the back (near the key) as i could and put the end of the pipe wrench on a jack and jacked it up loosened it up no problem. i dont know if it was the safest thing to do but it worked good for me. so its just an idea

little artical about ball joints
http://www.sicgmtrucks.com/forum/article.php?a=80