Weekend work for months to come...

[zippy_gg]

After finishing my interior I am finally embarking on the suspension/brakes rebuild.
The car is an 86 cab with 133k miles and the odo was broken when I got the car; this means the mileage is higher and unknown .
All the bushings are being replaced with a combo of ER and Rebel Racing, all rotors, soft brake lines, shocks, ball joints, and turbo ties will be installed as well as engine and transmission mounts. I already have all the parts.
A few ancillary projects such as replacing some A/C components such as hoses and evaporator will be performed as well; parts yet to be purchased. Other work include installing the new fuse panel from Fred Cook, fixing the turn signal stalk, and replacing the soft oil lines going to the front cooler.
I am sure I will find more things to do "while I'm there".
I also want to address some minor oil leaks and considering a partial engine drop.
The front seems to be pretty straightforward but when it comes to the rear a few questions come to mind:

1. Are there good instructions on partial engine drop? I didn't find anything in Wayne's books except for complete engine removal. Edited: I just found this!
2. Should I replace the rear wheel bearings? This would change the order in which I take the components out.
3. I am taking the trailing arms out to install the sealed monoballs. Should I take the drive shafts out entirely?
4. Will the partial engine drop help or impair the suspension/brake work?
5. What should the sequence of events be?

I am taking pictures as I go to supplement my increasingly failing memory when comes the time to put everything back together...

[DaddyGlenn]

Rear suspension work is real easy with a full engine/transmission drop. Yes to the rear bearings. Not a bad "while you are in there" project. have you given consideration to stiffer torsion bars? Now would be the time to do that.

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

Rear suspension work is real easy with a full engine/transmission drop. Yes to the rear bearings. Not a bad "while you are in there" project. have you given consideration to stiffer torsion bars? Now would be the time to do that.

I was kinda considering a full drop as I found more oil leaks while draining the engine oil this morning.
I believe I need to put the wheels back on the ground to loosen the center nut on the shaft...
I found a lot of small brackets and misc nuts and bolts to be quite oxidized. Adding to the shopping list.
I don't have the torsion bars out yet but the bushings are pretty worn out and I may find that some rubbing occurred.

[timmy2]

Full drop and do everything needed to the engine while it is out. No drivetrain gives you lots of room to do the suspension as previously mentioned.
Looks like you are going to be very busy.

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by timmy2

Looks like you are going to be very busy.

Step 1: Get rid of spider webs!

[ShakinJoe]

I have a set of A Arms with u tabs and powder coated if you are going this route. I can also install your Rebel Racing collars on them if needed.

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by ShakinJoe

I have a set of A Arms with u tabs and powder coated if you are going this route. I can also install your Rebel Racing collars on them if needed.

Thanks, I still don't know what I have until the parts come apart.
It looks like I am dropping the engine transmission first, then move on to my original project.