Thom-
I installed the Roadster Factory's bushing kit a few years ago, and
it is highly recommended. If you are prepared to deal with the usual front
end disassembly problems ( tie rod ends stuck, ball joints uncoooperative,
etc.) this is a reasonable task for the home shop. Be prepared, however to
make a trip to a shop with some adjustable reamers or a honing machine, as
the lower, outside bushings ( mounts between trunnions and the lower control
arms) may need to be 'fitted'. Not a big job, but not something you should
not do with a file or drill....
Tips:
You will need a spring compressor or reasonable substitute. watch your
fingers
A tie rod splitter ( pickle fork) can be useful, but don't hammer tooo much,
or in a direction that beats up the steering box. maybe make up a little
press/use some heat/WD50/etc.....
Expect to replace more parts than you planned on. Everything is old, and
nothing is worse than replacing 90% of the needed parts only to find that
the last 10% would've made it a cherry. Tearing it apart a second time to
complete the job is a real kick in the butt.
Bob Westerdale
-----Original Message-----
From: thom kuby [mailto:thomkuby@iwvisp.com]
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 1999 8:21 AM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Cc: ednelson@ridgenet.net
Subject: Best vendor for ft. end parts
Greetings,
A couple of things:
first - I'd like to thank all of you for responding to my post regarding
electric fan problems. The fan is fixed, I found a short in the line,
fixed that and the fan appears to run ok.
Second - I finally got around to inspecting the front end, and things don't
look so hot...Appears that both ball joints are ancient history. As long
as I'm getting into this sort of surgery, I might as well change out the
tie rod ends...Am I right to think this way? I think so.
So, I've got an appreciable amount of work to do...here are my immediate
questions:
1. where is the best source ($$ wise) for front-end components?
2. should I even deal with a complete set of ft. end bushings and do that
too? (if so, who would have those?)
and (and I just KNOW you're waiting for this one)
3. Is there anyone out there who is willing to sorta walk me through this
process, either via email or over the phone? I would benefit from some
"mentoring" here. Yes, I can go ahead and do this on my own...but; "mo
heads is bettah" I think... for example, are there any "real special" tools
needed for this? I have all the usual stuff on hand (I think). btw- this
is a disk-braked TR3 (TR3A?).
comments anyone?
Again, the car's owner and I thank you in advance...this seems like a good
group on this list.
Cheers
Thom Kuby
Porsche freak, with a TR3 in his garage
|