Ramon Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 Hello Every one I had a Pahty 1990 4WD AT and I want to fix by my self the front suspension (specially the central relay rod is totally damaged) But Before I get started I need some help because front suspension handle also the steering and I don't want to lose the alignment So what is the best way to change the Relay Rod with out loosing the alignment, what kind of tools I need? Do you think is better to do it by my self or pay in workshop? Thanks in advance for your help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 Relay Rod = Centerlink? If so, changing it out shouldn't affect your alignment, though, I wouldn't trust how good the alignment is if the centerlink is toast. It's as simple as unbolting the centerlink, and tie rod ends, and replacing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k9sar Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 As long as you don't adjust your tie-rods... and the replacement centerlink is the same length as the old, the alignment should be unaffected. Easy to change as logn as you are willing to beat out your ball/swivel joints. I NEVER use a picklefork cause it can ruin the greasecaps. I NEVER smack the threads with a hammer to drive it out. I never use a seperator either simply because putting a small sledge behind the joint and hitting the other side with a hammer will knock it loose. It may take a few good whacks but it works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramon Posted October 9, 2008 Author Share Posted October 9, 2008 Centerlink is common name? So thanks for the answers is very logical that is not affected as long as I don't loose the tie-rods. Thank you so much By the way what is the name of the "rubber" part in the picture ? Both are really damaged and I need to replace it but I can find the name of it to find it. Does any one know if is possible to replace new? Looks like I really have trouble with my front suspension but I believe is gonna be OK after a few repairs thanks for your advices Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 That would be your tension rod bushings, also known as strut rod bushings. When you buy them make sure to specify that your truck is 4x4 as the 2x4 ones are different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Those are strut rod, or tension rod, or compression rod bushings. They're relatively easy to get, though, from what I hear, a pain in the a$$ to replace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Those are strut rod, or tension rod, or compression rod bushings. They're relatively easy to get, though, from what I hear, a pain in the a$$ to replace. I will let you know on the PITA factor when I do them this week, from what it looks like, its just unbolt, slide the old bushings off and slide the new ones on with the crush tubes. Will need a few cans of pb blaster though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrimGreg Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Yes they can be a PITA, since you can't get an impact or even a socket on the nut easily, it's a lot of hand wrenching. On the good side, helps build some pectoral muscles.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Yes they can be a PITA, since you can't get an impact or even a socket on the nut easily, it's a lot of hand wrenching. On the good side, helps build some pectoral muscles.... Well I've managed to hand wrench most of the bolts on my pathy so far, other than the crank pulley bolt. I'd like to know what the symptoms of them being worn are though.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrimGreg Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Some clunking when the suspension moves....My 93 had a set that looked fine, till I pulled out of my driveway one day and the thing broke in half with a bang and my driver's side dropped 4". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 (edited) Ahh THATS where that noise has been coming from.... I've been trying to figure it out for a while now! So many new parts laying around, no time to install them. Edited October 10, 2008 by redfinder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MY1PATH Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 on those bushings you may want to inspect the cups they nest into(keeps them centered) if they are worn the rod will dance arround and elongate the hole. If its split or gone(in my case) weld a bearing race or thick piece of 2"OD tubing arround the bushing to keep it centered Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramon Posted October 11, 2008 Author Share Posted October 11, 2008 Thank you all for all your help According to what I have done My pathy fells much better I also replace the shock's and now she feels much better I have read in the others post is very simple to lift a pathy changing only the "huge springs" of the wheels by other car branches I beleive I am going to take that advice and see how see looks after thank you :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramon Posted October 13, 2008 Author Share Posted October 13, 2008 Some clunking when the suspension moves....My 93 had a set that looked fine, till I pulled out of my driveway one day and the thing broke in half with a bang and my driver's side dropped 4". Ho that's amazing broken just like that? 4" that's a lot in my case actually only when hard turns sounds like "chii" some kind of cat 's screech. and some sounds when switching from forward to reversing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramon Posted October 13, 2008 Author Share Posted October 13, 2008 Ahh THATS where that noise has been coming from.... I've been trying to figure it out for a while now! So many new parts laying around, no time to install them. even worse no enough help to complete it in a day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Ho that's amazing broken just like that? 4" that's a lot in my case actually only when hard turns sounds like "chii" some kind of cat 's screech. and some sounds when switching from forward to reversing That noise is probably your steering stops in the front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramon Posted October 13, 2008 Author Share Posted October 13, 2008 on those bushings you may want to inspect the cups they nest into(keeps them centered) if they are worn the rod will dance arround and elongate the hole. If its split or gone(in my case) weld a bearing race or thick piece of 2"OD tubing arround the bushing to keep it centered Thank you for the advice I though the most difficult part is remove the dust in there he he the cups are easy to remove? I wish this things where more easier but as long as my I can I try to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MY1PATH Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Thank you for the advice I though the most difficult part is remove the dust in there he he the cups are easy to remove? I wish this things where more easier but as long as my I can I try to do it. I belive the original bushing cups were tack welded in place. It may take chisel and a hammer but if its worn enough it might just fall out (if its still there). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramon Posted October 22, 2008 Author Share Posted October 22, 2008 Ahh THATS where that noise has been coming from.... I've been trying to figure it out for a while now! So many new parts laying around, no time to install them. same here but noise is a little irritant and I have to move the schedule Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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