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Difficulty level of an NG front-end rebuild?

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 7:21 am
by Clead
Anyone done one themselves? The NG Exceed I was looking at needs pretty much every front-end part replaced. If i have to pay a shop to do it, it becomes cost-prohibitive. If I can do it myself, I'll still get a good deal out of it. Is this something I can do myself without formal training or a hoist? I have done carb swaps, brake jobs, and rad swaps before. Nothing this big. Is there anything I can't remove with the use of a Big F(^%$@ Hammer and a pickle-fork? Tips and tricks appreciated.
Thanks,
Duncan

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 11:37 am
by -Scott-
I've taken my front diff out (to have a diff lock fitted :D ) and I think the trickiest bits were breaking the ball joints, and pulling the driveshafts out of the diff.

I buggered one ball joint, but you need to replace yours anyway. To pull the driveshafts we (neighbour and I) ended up draining the diff, removing the front cover and levering the shafts out with a large screwdriver (don't think it will work now, with the new centre...)

Getting the diff back in (by myself) was a bit tricky, but I'm not the muscliest bloke on the block.

Two jacks, four axle stands, small lump hammer and the usual assortment of sockets, spanners and screwdrivers. Oh, and plenty of time - almost two full days for me...

Good luck,

Scott