Longer Studs (7 Jul 2011)

Since I found out the wheel studs were too short while doing the passenger side, I went ahead and did the studs first before working the drivers side front axle.

Steering Box Rebuild (8 Jul 2011)

I needed to get the steering box installed so I could complete the front end connections. This is an early box (worm gear)...the later boxes were reciprocating balls and can be made to fit an early frame, but my gear was not worn and I was able to get all new seals from Dean...so in goes my old box.

Steering Box Installed (8 Jul 2011)

When I took my box apart, the PO had filled the box with grease...which had turned hard and crusty...the factory filled the boxes with gear oil, but oil can leak so many "mix" a custom blend. I filled the box with a combo of Lucas Heavy Duty gear oil in a 85w-140 mixed with Lucas Oil Stabilizer and a little Lucas grease. It was a nice thick liquid that is enough to prevent leaks yet provide easy movement of the worm gear.

Drivers Side Front (10 Jul 2011)

Since I had already done this entire process once on the passenger side I simply put the drivers side together in the same order.

Drivers Side Control Arm (10 Jul 2011)

After getting the hub and rotor assembly on I moved on to the steering control arm. Again, this is a repeat of the passenger side except the control arm connects to the steering box vs. the Idler box on the passenger side.

Drivers Side Front Tire (10 Jul 2011)

Drivers side front complete!

Front Control Arm (10 Jul 2011)

This is the linkage arm that connects the Idler arm to the Steering box arm...it is threaded opposite on both ends and turning the center bar will push or pull the tires (toe in or out).

Front Control Arm (10 Jul 2011)

This is the linkage arm that connects the Idler arm to the Steering box arm...it is threaded opposite on both ends and turning the center bar will push or pull the tires (toe in or out).

Comp Sway Bar (10 Jul 2011)

Well installing the comp sway bar was not as easy as I thought it would be...it was hard to say the least to lift the bar into position and get it bolted to the frame...I enlisted the help of all three of my kids to push the bar into position until I tightened the bolts.