More Shocking Shock Revelations

Here's a picture of the bottom end of the front passenger side shock absorber.  The improvised "bushing" (and only thing holding the shock in place) was a section of garden hose that had been crammed in between the eye and the shock mount post.  Even my dog thinks that's messed up:

Some time in the past, something bad happened to this vehicle on the right hand side.  Both lower shock mounts destroyed, weird wear patterns on the mounts, and you can see in the above picture that the shock itself is dented.  

Front End Tear-Down Complete

The front suspension tear-down went much faster than I expected; just a few hours.  Not sure whether it was actually easier or whether it was just more PB Blaster + time to soak in, or maybe it's just knowing what to expect.

Rear Suspension Completed

Finally finished both sides of the rear suspension.  Beginning the tear-down of the front suspension... 

One Leg Restored

Here's a picture of the passenger side rear, now completely restored.

Installing New Leaf Spring Bushings

The suspension rebuild kit comes with leaf springs, and you install the front & rear bushings by pushing them in "eyes" formed in the leaf spring.  This is a challenge because the fit is very tight.  Here's what worked for me:  I put the bushing in the freezer for a few hours (cold metal should contract), and brought the leaf spring inside the house for a few hours (warm metal should expand).  I lubed the eye with white lithium grease, and then hammered the bushing in.  Seemed to go with 4-5 good hard whacks.  Some (not all) of the bushings have a very slight taper on one end, which makes it easier to get started.  

"There, I Fixed It!" Redux

I don't know how I managed to miss this before:

This is the passenger side front lower shock mount.  I have no idea what's holding the shock absorber in place, but it's certainly not a bolt and washer!         

What is the deal with broken passenger side shock mounts on this vehicle?  The rear lower was also broken with some kludge fix (see Nov 13, 2011 post).  Scary.

Why I Am Replacing the Leaf Spring Mounting Plates

Below is a picture of my driver's side rear leaf spring mounting plate.  The post sticking out is where the bottom end of the shock absorber goes.  Note the gigantic welt.  Can't imagine what would cause that.  No way I am putting this back on.  The suspension rebuild kit doesn't include replacements, so I get to buy these separately.  Cost about $15 each.