Swapping fronties - any suggestions??

Hi folks

I've decided to replace my modified shorty with a LWB model (new project!

). Main reason is that I have given up trying to source a replacement 4.88 rear axle (leaf sprung) - 2 months no joy. I don't know if the diff will last 2, 20, 200, 2000 or 20000 miles, but it's making a hell of a noise. Also the oil pump seems to be failing (although it could be the pressure relief valve sticking open).

I'm probably going to transfer the good bits on to the new truck, but that would make the shortie scrap only. To buy new manual hubs, Macho-style tyres, long shocks etc would cost over £500, but I don't see anyone paying anywhere near that for the shortie. Add all the small bits - wiring, lights etc - and I save myself a good chunk getting the LWB ready.

HOWEVER....

The SWB has the pukka Calmini 3" lift kit fitted, with replacement top arms, hd torsion bars, extended shackles, extra rear leafs, new x-member, extended bump stops etc. It seems a real shame for this to go to the offroad site in the sky, as it must be of use to someone. I don't have the space or facilities to strip the suspension then get the car taken away.

Anyone got any clever ideas what to do?

Jools

Shame you cant transfer the front suspension onto the new LWB

A lot of mony tied up in that suspension, could you get it to a scrap yard and remove it there ? just let them know what you want, then give them the rest of the car free.

Find any old knackered 6 stud wheels and swop them, as the scrappy if the have any to lone you for a fiver to get the free car to them :wink:

They may even have a low loader to take the car away

See if any of the local scrappies have a got a hiab?
I did this with a couple of old motors and so long as the guy picking it up knew what state it was gonna be in they didn't seem too bothered, provided the car was easy enough to access.

I thought it would be possible to swap over the front suspension - undo the fulcrum bolts and the ball joint, remove the brake line and the upper arm should come off. Do the same on the other car and swap them over - the bump stops should come away with them and if you did the brake line at the upper end, that would be there too.

Just a thought.

Lawrence

Another question Lawrence - do you have the replacement x-member fitted? If so, what is it's purpose? I ask because it doesn't align with either the sump guard mount holes or the sump drain plug!

No... the kit fitted to my coiled A is actually for a B - the cross member is the wrong one.

The Calmini bits fitted to the Estate are:

Front upper arms, bumps stops and brake lines
Rear coils, panhard rod drop bracket and two brackets for the brake T-piece and load compensator valve - I think that's it (oh, and the 4 shocks)

Lawrence

The kit was I believe originally for the Trooper and the replacement cross member was thought necessary - the Frontera version is quite hefty though as standard.

Castle O'er is being run on the 4th & 5th of Jully - more info here

Lawrence