Challenger suspension upgrade

Hi Wayne,

Thanks for your reply - I guess I might have sounded vague in my questioin. Thing is I have installed new srpings and air bags etc... in previous vehicles and replaced CV joints and performed a host of other mechanical operations - it's just that I have never replaced leafsuspension, and would like to have a go.

Perhaps the front may be out of my league - but the rear sounds like a simple job from what I have read.
Thanks.

Smokey,

I did do a Hilux last week which has like your vehicle the leaf springs on top of the diff housing.
The biggest thing about that type of suspension change is getting the back of the vehicle up high enough to remove the old springs.
You are lucky that the spring pack is not that heavy. Leave the wheels on as this is the best way to support the diff while the springs are being replaced.
Remove the shocks first and stabilizer bar if fitted, also the brake hose might have to be unbolted from the diff housing on full travel with out the shocks fitted.
Don't tighten all the bolts until the vehicle is back on the ground. The suspension will move when the vehicle is taken off the jack stands. This is the time to go around and tighten all the nuts and bolts that hold the suspension.
Make sure that you use new pins, shackles and U bolts.

The front suspension should be done in a work shop so that they can also do an wheel alignment but make sure that you do the rear suspension first.

Good luck, no swearing at the suspension, it does not understand you, and what out for skinned knuckles.

Wayne

Wayne,

Thanks again for your info - sounds as if you know your stuff! :)

I take on board your wise words about the language - thing is, I treat her as a lady, and 9 times out of 10 she responds well to that! :) :)

SmokeyD