Work in progress, getting my '85 El Camino back on the road

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KCP

Master Mechanic
Oct 11, 2018
421
1,004
93
Bavaria, Germany
For now they will have to stay. I maybe putting 17's on it later since I plan to upgrade the brakes anyway.
 

KCP

Master Mechanic
Oct 11, 2018
421
1,004
93
Bavaria, Germany
Uppers finished with poly bushing and Pro Forge balljoints:

IMG_20190622_152041501.jpg
IMG_20190622_152048854.jpg


Lowers waiting for the paint to dry:

IMG_20190622_152110179.jpg


Out comes the smog pump:

IMG_20190622_163755044.jpg
 
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KCP

Master Mechanic
Oct 11, 2018
421
1,004
93
Bavaria, Germany
Thanks to Energy Suspension for sending me the right shells for the lower control arms, I managed to get the front end back together. Only missing two grease fittings for the lower ball joints. I packed them away safely when I had to stop two weeks ago. Must've packed them away very good, cause I forgot where I've put them :owned:
 
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KCP

Master Mechanic
Oct 11, 2018
421
1,004
93
Bavaria, Germany
On to the rear. Ripped out the rear end today.

IMG_20190906_144240870.jpg


All bushings are completely shot, as are the shocks.

IMG_20190906_144301446.jpg

IMG_20190906_144304770.jpg


I might as well upgrade to a true trac 3.42 while the rear end is on the bench.

IMG_20190906_151927674.jpg


The spring perches were booger welded by the previous owner, so there's some welding to do as well.

IMG_20190906_144249423.jpg
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pagrunt

Geezer
Sep 14, 2014
9,122
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Elderton, Pa
Also looks like you need a beer run cause i thought I saw a empty beer rack upside down on the floor. :friday:
 
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KCP

Master Mechanic
Oct 11, 2018
421
1,004
93
Bavaria, Germany
You Sir have an eye for the essential things in life.
 
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pagrunt

Geezer
Sep 14, 2014
9,122
15,255
113
Elderton, Pa
I have a devoted relationship with the fine beers of Germany, more so witht those of Barvaria. I may not drink anymore but when I do again it will be with Deutsches bier from Deutschland. Now go, refill that rack. ;)
 
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84 El Camino 231

Apprentice
Nov 16, 2018
71
14
8
I installed the factory sway bar on my elco rear, along with the "cargo" springs. It had the factory air shocks so I just replaced them although I think they were still fine. This really tightened things up and I feel much safer, nothing else was done. I had a '69 Chevelle without the rear sway bar and almost lost it a couple of times, started zig-zagging uncontrollably. Same with an old 70's Pontiac, I think it was.

Haven't looked or gone back under there yet but I wonder if Delrin bushings aren't available?
 

KCP

Master Mechanic
Oct 11, 2018
421
1,004
93
Bavaria, Germany
The rear is getting Energy Suspension PU bushings. I'd love to put a swaybar in there, that's on the plan later on.
 

84 El Camino 231

Apprentice
Nov 16, 2018
71
14
8
Yes, I did a little reading up on the various materials and found the application (location) will dictate the type of material recommended, so Delrin, PU, rubber depending, even spherical bearings for some enthusiasts.

I used the light-weight rear factory sway bar since GM never offered them on these elcos and didn't want to create unanticipated issues, it came from a cutlass g-body I believe (FWIW).

Your elco is coming along nicely, good job.
 
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