@Enzo
I lost count of how many Sawzall blades I went through replacing the rear leaf shackles on my Ranger after the bolts rusted to the frame. Classic rust belt problems!
Niko said:
@Enzo
I lost count of how many Sawzall blades I went through replacing the rear leaf shackles on my Ranger after the bolts rusted to the frame. Classic rust belt problems!
Haha, imagine how much easier that would have been with a grinder. Not hating, I just found that funny.
Niko said:
@Enzo
I lost count of how many Sawzall blades I went through replacing the rear leaf shackles on my Ranger after the bolts rusted to the frame. Classic rust belt problems!
Yeah, I had to use a grinder and a punch. It was awful. Steel rivets are no joke.
Wylie said:
Looks at people who can do all this to their trucks the same way my grandparents used to look at me building a computer
Schedules another overpriced dealership maintenance visit
You can learn too. A lot of this stuff isn’t hard, and you’ll save a ton of money. Youtube is an awesome resource.
@Layla
I’m no mechanic, but I’ve managed to do most of this on my own just by following YouTube videos and taking my time.
Wylie said:
Looks at people who can do all this to their trucks the same way my grandparents used to look at me building a computer
Schedules another overpriced dealership maintenance visit
Man, this comment hits too close to home.
I literally just did all of this over the last couple of weeks—coolant flush, rear diff, front diff, transfer case, oil pan gasket, brake fluid flush, power steering fluid, rear shocks, spark plugs. Front shocks up next and Bilstein 5100s all around. Just put new tires on today too.
@Tatum
How are the Bilsteins? I’m debating between those and Eibachs.
Hendrix said:
@Tatum
How are the Bilsteins? I’m debating between those and Eibachs.
I was torn too, but the Bilsteins are great so far. The main difference is that the Eibachs come with their own 2” coil springs, while I’m using my truck’s OEM springs with the Bilsteins. The Bilsteins were also about $250 cheaper, so I went that route.
@Tatum
Did you lift the truck with the Bilsteins, or are you keeping the stock height?
Hendrix said:
@Tatum
Did you lift the truck with the Bilsteins, or are you keeping the stock height?
I haven’t done the front yet, but I’m planning to set it to the 1.75” lift. I’d rather raise it with the shocks and get rid of the 2” puck that’s currently lifting the front a bit too much.
@Tatum
I just did the rears too. Planning the same 1.75” lift on the front with Bilsteins soon.
@Tatum
Did you have an oil pan leak on the 2.7? Mine started leaking at 87k miles. Considering doing it now that they have one with a built-in gasket.
Caroline said:
@Tatum
Did you have an oil pan leak on the 2.7? Mine started leaking at 87k miles. Considering doing it now that they have one with a built-in gasket.
Mine’s a 5.0 4x4, so I had to drop the front diff to do the pan. It was definitely leaking though.
Oh, I forgot to mention, I did spark plugs too. Threw those into the mix.
Just wait until you have to replace the bearings and speed sensors. $800 per wheel if you can find the parts.
Carter said:
Just wait until you have to replace the bearings and speed sensors. $800 per wheel if you can find the parts.
Tasca has them for about $350 each, but please don’t jinx me!
@Enzo
Well, if you’re okay with losing cruise control and traction, you can skip the fix.
Carter said:
@Enzo
Well, if you’re okay with losing cruise control and traction, you can skip the fix.
Unfortunately, I can’t skip it—my state won’t pass the inspection with an ABS light on.
Next time you should try using the Valvoline squeeze pouches for the diff fluid—makes it super easy.