Sorry it's been a few days...Just started a new job. Couple that with girl's basketball games...
Anyway, got the new drag link ends and sleeve together (and on the truck now). Got the front end lowered, out, and new installed. I did it without any help since, well--I didn't have any available. I hoisted and supported the front end of the body with 6 ton jack stands. Then, I raised the entire leaf spring and shackles on the passenger side off of the front end, repeat on the other side. Then, I went to the I was able to get my body really close to each end, pick them up (obviously, one at a time) and lower them from the jack stands to small moving dollies. After that it was nothing to maneuver them into the garage and change places with the 'new' one.
Before I reinstalled the brake calipers, U-bolts, new shocks and a new steering damper, I hooked up the drive shaft while I still had maneuverability--piece of cake. On the driver's side, I had a little fun with the steering connections. The steering arm on the new front end was the correct shape, but, angled up instead of down where the drag link attached. I didn' like how it would have all gone together, so, I decided to take that one off and put the old one on. WOW. I don't know what those tapered collars were right under the 3 nuts holding the thing on, but, what a pain. Many BFG beatings and some use of a huge chisel for a wedge, and they came off. Reinstallation--CAKE. I wish I had taken pictures...
After that, the drag link assembly bolted right up like it was supposed to and everything else went back together well.
So, the next bit, is lowering the old rear end, raising the new one and hooking everything back up. On that note, another adventure--those U-bolts and plates that I had the gentleman I bought the front and rear end from throw in a box--they were for the front axles. I wish I had taken a closer look before I left. So, I went to the local salvage yard and the very helpful kid at the counter hooked me up with some plates--he found them in their scrap bin right before the recycler showed up--no charge. Unfortunately, the holes are 4+ inches apart--not 3 3/8 like they should be, AND, they were intended to be installed on the bottom of the housing with the u-bolt coming from the top. I'll include pics of these with my next post. SO, I ordered a u-bolt reversal kit, with plates from Off Road Designs (part #U8021), so, I can't really finish until they get here...
Speaking of parts, turns out that as everyone concluded, yes, the rear driveline is 1310, so, I decided to go with the NAPA part # PUJ 348 U-joint to connect to the new 1350 14-bolt.
So, barring any other unforeseen problems, working in between work and kid's activities, I should be done by the weekend....