69 Charger suspension rebuild and reassembly

[dlo3575]

I posted a few months ago as I stumbled thru a suspension disassembly of my son's 1969 Charger.  Being a MOPAR Newb, it was a new deal for this old Chevy guy.  We finally removed all the hard parts, bushings, upper ball joints etc., then sent the parts to the blaster and powder coating shop.  We got it back yesterday.  I laid everything out and am about to start the reassembly process.  I hope to get some advice from some fine MOPAR folks.  Please feel free to browse the pictures and share any ideas, comments and concerns.

[dlo3575]

More pictures!!  I ordered inner and outer wheel bearings.  I have never installed those before either.  ANy advice?  I do own a shop with just about every tool.  I also ordered brake cylinders.  Tomorrow is day one!

[green69rt]

Actually wheel bearing are pretty easy, probably the same or similiar for most old cars.  Get a wheel bearing greaser and grease the bearings.  Install the outer race for the inner bearing, I just used a piece of broom handle or something else small and use it to seat the outer races.  If you've worked on bearings before you know you have to get this right.  Make sure they are fully seated!

Insert the inner roller assembly and insert the inner bearing seal.  I use the same tool, just make sure you don't distort the seal.  The outer bearing just goes in and then preload the bearing with the castle nut.  All of this is explained in most FSM so instead of taking chances just get a manual.

[dlo3575]

What is a FSM? If you have a all tech article, link to a video or installation article, that would be great!  Having some tech articles/links will save me time and help make the old man seem like he's on his game infront of the 16 year old boy (who already knows everything!)!!

[dlo3575]

Here was the final step on the disassembly from a month ago (getting the LCA shaft bushings off).

[green69rt]

Look here...

http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?input=service+manual&SM=1&SC=1

[green69rt]

That's close but no cigar.  Search the actual part number at the site of RSM69D0D ( the 0 is a zero not on "o").

[bull]

FSM = Factory Service Manual. Usually about $50.

[dlo3575]

10-4 on the FSM.....


I did assemble the brakes today.  Weird day.  One of the brake cylinders was DOA out of the box.  Then I realized I was missing the arms that go into the piston/rubber grommet on the brake cylinders!  I think they were thrown out during disassembly months ago!!    I don't have a clue where to get such a part.

After going as far as I could on assembling the brakes I moved unto the wheel bearings.  Green69RT, your suggestion was very helpful.   I used a peice of wood and tapped them right into place. Since I have to wait another day for a replacement cylinder, I will take pictures in the morning and upload.  I rekon its one of those deals.....One day at a time.....

[dlo3575]

I took a picture of the finished brake assembly .  Got the replacement wheel cylinder from Advanced auto ( the first one was DOA), they were cool about the swap out.  i also picked up brake cylinder studs (thats what I call it) since the original are long gone.  I think it turned out well. My son seems to enjoy the time we spend together and I will rest easy knowing the brakes will actually work when he gets on the road !!  It used to pull hard to the right when braking and sometimes spontaneously!     I will post more pics as we go along.  Next week we will put the K member on the bench and start the out of car assembly.  I bet this will be fun trying to put it back on (HEAVY).

[dlo3575]

It has been awhile since we worked on the car.  We had several break ins at my shop and the out buildings.  I haven't wanted to be out there due to all the issues.......

Anyway here is the latest.  We started the assembly today.  The drum brakes assemblies were done.  I think we did them right.  I hope we packed the bearings with enough bearing grease......I guess I always question myself on things after the fact .  This is the first MOPAR in our family and its all new to us.  MOPAR is definetely different from Chevy!  Anyway, we pressed in the pivot shafts into the bushings and then pressed the bushings & pivot arm into the LCA.  That actually went really well compared to the removal process!!  UGGHHHH   Onit, but I dont think it will affect anye off the rubber bushings kindo pouched out of shape anything??  Should I post a pic? 

Then we put the LCA's unto the K member and started to connect the tie rods to the LCA's and realized that i was not 100% sure of how the center link should be orientated!!!!   SO please look at my pictures and let me know how to place it. 

I hope you enjoy the pictures of our project!!

[green69rt]

I don't know if you know this site yet but I found it VERy useful.  Pictures and explanations.

http://www.69hemi.com/index.html

[dlo3575]

Here are some new pics of my sons progress.  We are fixin to put the K frame assembly up.  Any tips or comments?  Also, did he get the motor mount position right?