The time has finally come to get rid of all this old floppy crap and install my L&P CL. So here's my in-progress write-up thread.

I found a 5/8" drill bit at Lowe's that should work for the pittman and idler arms. I'll be drilling with the arms still installed, since nobody has a suitable drill press. Removing the pittman would be impossible anyways.

I planned to loosten everything today and complete the install tomorrow. So far it's been going smoothly, except the inner TREs are spinning inside themselves. The good thing is I don't plan on reusing them so they will be destroyed as needed.

The threads on one side of the stabilizer are farked somehow so that will have to be addressed later.

I made some poly inserts a while back to help combat the floppy CL and I'm happy to say they have held up. The TREs are dead though. So don't do this.(!)

Photos up soon...

I had a bit too much to drink Saturday night and didn't get anything done Sunday.

Also I can't log in to photobucket to upload some photos...

need any help wrenching?

Not really, but if you're around you should drop by.

I'm about to get back to work right now.

All of the old parts are off. It's getting dark and cold so I'm done for now. The pickle fork paid for itself again.

well if you need anyhelp I am the same place as A-Rod glynn county

map gas torch helps a ton when removing old steering components.

My bit wore out after about 1/8" of cutting. WTF.

Who's got a drill doctor?

I found 2 drill doctors, but they only go up to 1/2"

Any better ideas?

I guess I'm in Phase 2 now.

Time to go drill some more...

I thought Phase 1 was steal underpants?

After driving this thing at 70mph last month, I needed to steal some underpants

All of this drilling is getting me nowhere. Time to remove everything and find a press.

quote:

All of this drilling is getting me nowhere.

Whats happening with the pitman arm. I will have to drill mine out to 5/8 for the sas.

Drilled mine out fine with a cordless. Use a quality cutting lube and lots of it. Drill bit was dull after the job. Slow is also the way to go. I sharpened it back up with a grinder and reused it 5 months later to redrill a new idler.

I took the idler off and used a drill press this morning. I was able to find a 9/16" bit which went right through. I defiantly suggest doing this. I then "fixed" the 5/8" bit with a bench grinder. It still sucks but it's better than yesterday.

The pittman isn't coming off, so I'm thinking about using a 1/2" bolt on that side with a sleeve to fill the 1/8" gap on the new CL. But that's like, Phase 6. Or I could use the 9/16" bit and "waller it out" as the locals say. I just don't see these bits surviving after the crap I've put them through so far.

I've also been using various lubes with no real improvement.

What are these parts made of?!