I opted to start with the front axle by painting with POR15 and re-assemblying the disk brake system. POR15 is a Paint-Over-Rust system that is a cheap alternative to powdercoating. Why didn't I get the axles powdercoated during my recent frenzy? I simply didn't have them in my possession. And now they are reassembled, so painting was really the only option. Got them painted nice shiny black.
The disk reassembly was fun only in the fact that I didn't remember how I took it apart. A quick check of the older parts confirmed the order of installation. For those of you with a 76 Dana44 front end, it is caliper bracket, dust shield, spindle, inner bearing, rotor, outer bearing, spindle nut, washer, spindle nut, hub assembly.
Then the calipers on the outside and done.
The whole assembly is damn heavy and I am thankfull for my current favorite tool, the engine hoist. Got the front assembly in position under the frame to get the radius arms attached. That was fun...... not. Radius arms are heavy and unwieldy. And both left and right have to be at the same angle or your Bronco will lean. 5 tries and one stripped bolt later, I achieved this.
Next was the shiny new blue coils for the 2.5" suspension lift. These where only a slight problem finagling the bottom brackets into place. but some strap clamps helped out.
My Dad was in town for the Thanksgiving Holiday and he was able to lend a hand - so Thanks Dad.
