Truck Reassembly Order

[Lynn D. Brown]

Hey Guys,

I have pretty much had everything out and apart for awhile - Engine, Trans, Driveshafts, Front Brakes, Front Diff and Axles, Steering linkage, Steering Box.

I really have no idea at this point what interferes w what, so I am trying to figure out what I should reinstall in what order. I'm waiting for my engine, and I want to install the Engine and Trans (w/o T-Case) together.

The one thing that I have heard is that the Front Diff will interfere w doing that, so I guess I won't put the Front Diff and Axles in until after the Engine/Trans combo. Can I install all of the Steering Gear and Linkage - new ZQ-8 spec Box, Idler and Pitman Arms, Centerlink, Inner and Outer Tie rods before all of this ?

I may have to put my wheels on to lower the car enuf to get sufficient headroom for the engine lift to drop the engine in. So, I guess I need to install the Steering Linkage and Front Brakes on to do this, Right ? I don't think I need the front Axles installed to lower the car down onto the wheels. I may have to roll it around some to get access for the Engine Lift.

Appreciate any advice guys.

 

[Christian Dionne]

The only thing that interfered with me was the nut on the steering linkage hit the #5 ATR header primary. I installed the JS poly mounts and maybe that's why they hit. All that was done to correct it was a little die grinder on the nut.

I would definately suggest installing spark plugs and headers if you have ATR's, before you install engine. It was so easy to do on engine stand, getting proper torque on each bolt. I also use red loctite on header bolts.

I don't know about the rest of it, 'cause I left the trans and front diff installed.

 

[Blake]

Hey Christian,
That problem came up years ago in the archives. My bet is that wasn't your poly mounts. When ATR designed that system, the truck had something different from MOOG on it. Might have been the pitman arm. Been a long time ago :roll:
Anyway, since they designed it to be a very tight fit, when people with OEM stock suspensions tried to install them, several had interference problems. Some people just went ahead and bought the MOOG pitman arm and did it at the same time(since they were gonna do it eventually anyway).
Seems like ATR addressed it at some point but when they did and if they actually corrected as opposed to telling you to buy another part is even fuzzier in my memory.
Blake