4KSQ front end rebuild

[FJ40Jim at aol.com]

Guys,
    Just in case anybody cares, I'll tell you how the rebuild process is
going on my '85 4KSQ.  It's been down for about 2 weeks for complete front
suspension/steering/brakes.  The totally worn stock struts and springs have
been replaced w/ KYB and H&R components. Upper strut mounts are the HD Ur-Q
pieces.  Lower control arm bushings are pressed in Delrin, w/ steel center
sleeves.  Lower ball joints, tie-rod ends and front wheel bearings have been
replaced w/ OE German quality (no Brasilia stuff).  Brakes are new calipers,
ATE atom rotors and PBR dustless pads.  The toughest part was figuring out
how to upgrade the rottten sway bar bushings.
    The end-links are simple, but the mounting clamshells are proprietary.
What I did was call Summit racing and order generic poly mounts & clamshells
and generic end link bushings.  Used the plasma cutter to cut the original
mounts off the frame, then welded on new mounting bases.  The bases were
simply chunks of heavy (8mm) steel that I threaded holes into for the
clamshells.  For the end links, I just used straight 3/8" allthread and
nylock nuts.
Toe was set slightly (1/16") in and camber was 1 deg. negative.  Took it for
a test drive- Wow, what a difference.  It is truly much better than new.
Roll stiffness is up considerably, steering feel is much improved, and the
comfy ride quality is only slightly degraded.  I was concerned that the stiff
springs & HD bushing would be too harsh for a daily driver, but it is fine.
    Next stop- all new rear suspension & brakes!  Then the all new cooling
system!  Then the turbo!!

Thanks for listening,
Jim Chenoweth and a reborn '85 4KSQ w/ 170K and counting...
Lancaster, Ohio, USA
Ph. 740.862.2604
TLCA #1914