Installed 1.75" PRG Front Lift, Crown SS Brake Lines, XE Side Mirrors

Titan4x4Aggie · 05-08-2005, 03:04 PM

*** Part I - Install PRG Front Lift ***

5 Guys (Havock, VShortt, MAX, VShortt's neighbor, and myself) + 5 TITANS + 3 Large Pizzas + 12 Shiner Bocks + 6 Hard Ciders = 1 LONG NIGHT OF FUN (and work)

The attached pictures show the progression of the evening. The mission (which we happily chose to accept) was to install 1 ea PRG 1.75" Front Lift, 6 ea Crown Stainless Steel Brake Lines, and 4 ea SpeedBleeder 1010's. [Picture #1]

Since the driveway was not level, we first decided to install the PRG kit first outside, keeping the rear wheels grounded. Using a mixture of Metric and SAE deep-sockets, wrenches, bungies, and other random tools, we grudgingly removed the strut assembly, installed the aluminum block, and put it in. [Picture #2]

To ease the removal of the assembly, we disconnected the ARB (anti roll bar) first, since we only lifted one side of the truck at a time. [Picture #3]

It seems I had forgotten the new bump stops, so we drilled the holes and I attached them at a later date (today) while changing my oil and checking for brake line leaks.

Anyway, after installing the PRG kit, we put the tires back on and moved the truck into the garage where there was much better lighting (and a disco ball). At this point, we decided to put the truck on jack-stands, take off all the wheels, order pizza, drink ZIMA (VShortt), fall asleep while leaning against my truck (MAX), and stand their and laugh (Havock) [Pictures #4 & #5]

Titan4x4Aggie · 05-08-2005, 03:23 PM

*** Part II - Install Stainless Steel Brake Lines ***

After getting some much needed energy, we resumed work on the brake system. The first line of action was too install the highly recommened SpeedBleeders (from SammySandbag & juma).

The front lines were installed first. The top flare nut was pulled out, the lock thing was removed, and the bottom nut at the caliper was removed. Lots of fluid drained out, much to VShortt's dismay, but I think he was tired of that baby-blue garage floor paint anyway. The new beautiful Smoke Stainless Steel line was installed, and all nuts & bolts were tightened pretty tight. [Picture #1]

I say pretty tight, because the torque specs seem too low compared to when the old lines were removed, and we didn't have the right types of torquing equipement to work in wrench applications.

The rear lines were also installed, which proved to be a much more difficult task since the two lines that run from the axle attach to the chassis right next to the bed. [Pictures #2 & 3]

But, after many struggles, all lines were installed, meaning it was time to using these awesome SpeedBleeders to easily bleed the brake system...and start problem solving.

While bleeding the rear, VShortt noticed brake fluid dripping from the top rear brake lines. [Picture #4]

We added teflon tape to the threads, re-torqued, and bled again. No more leaks; problem #1 solved. However, as we continued to bleed the brakes, and close the SpeedBleeder valves, it seems fluid continued to come out of the valve, even after it was tightened & closed. This problem occured on 2 of the Speedbleeders, resulting in:

1) 50% Failure rate, horrible by any quality assurance / design standards
2) Replacement of all SpeedBleeders with the factory bleeder valves
3) Replace name "SpeedBleeder" with new valve name "LeakyBleeder"
4) Bleed the brake system the old fashioned way
5) Replace my avatar with a new one

Although the SpeedBleeders did work and make bleeding much easier, the fact that they leaked when closed makes them pretty much worthless. Good idea, bad design.

mtbendo · 05-08-2005, 03:32 PM

That's very cool that you guys have each other to help out... Now for those day time pics!!!!!!

Titan4x4Aggie · 05-08-2005, 03:40 PM

*** Part III - Finishing Touches & Lessons Learned ***

While intalling the brake lines, VShortt's neighbor was busy swapping out my chrome side mirror covers with his black XE mirror covers.

After cleaning the garage, packing everything up, and wiping up multiple brake fluid spills, we called called it a night at 2 am. What started at 6 pm as what looked like a quick installed turned into a nightmare of sticky nuts, leaky threads, and uncloseable valves.

On the bright side, I got to meet 4 awesome TITAN guys here in the Houston area, and learned a few new things about my truck. I also got to be the guinea pig for stainless steel brakes.

VShortt, Havock, and VShortt's neighbor all testified that the brakes felt much better than stock. Although the initial spongyness is still there, the brakes bite much harder, and firmer, with less pedal travel once the pads start engaging the discs.

After a 60 mile drive back to Clear Lake, I can testify that the brakes are in great shape, and my fluid reservior is still full (meaning no leaks). The brakes felt great the whole way home. For $145 bucks, this mod is definately worth it. You will feel the difference immediately, and should be very happy with it.

Today I installed the bump-stops from the PRG kit, and changed my oil. [Picture #1]

However, while installing the bump stops and torquing them to teh suggested 25 ft-lbs, it seems one bump-stop will not torque down, and the metal bolt inside the bump stop just spins with the lock nut. I'll have to talk to Greg about that one.

Lessons Learned:

--> When installing the PRG kit, have a variety of tools. Deep sockets are needed for a number of the nuts, and large sizes are also necessary (19mm, and 7/8"). A breaker bar will also be usefull

--> When installing the brake lines, get one of those rolly-stools to sit on. My legs are killing me today, along with my back.

--> Wrap teflon tape around the threads of all the brake fittings on the new lines. I only wrapped it around the spots that leaked, but it wont hurt to wrap it around all the other ones (BUT DONT COVER THE HOLES IN THE SPECIAL BOLTS).

--> DO NOT BUY THE SPEED BLEEDERS! They might help with the bleeding, but mine did not close all the way. Yes, they were properly torqued, and no they were not leaking around the thread. The bleeder hole seems too big and doesn't seem to close all the way.

The last two pictures are the most recent ones take of my truck, since it has been debagded, and with the PRG kit and black XE side mirror covers installed.

MUCHO PROPS TO VSHORTT, HAVOCK, MAX, AND VSHORTT'S NEIGHBOR FOR THE TOOLS, SPACE, AND EXTRA HANDS!

VShortt · 05-08-2005, 04:36 PM

Nice post man. Good to see you got the bump stops on. I'm glad you guys were all able to come over and hang out. My wife enjoyed meeting all of you. She thinks its neat that we were all able to meet over the board and get together to hang out, drink a little, and make aggie's truck look sweeeeeet!!! My apologies Ag for not getting more involved. As you all were aware, I am battling a bout with pnemonia and feeling much better. Of course, even that didn't keep me from having a few Zima's with you guys. Now you will be able to show off your "new" truck at the meet in just 13 short days!! Take care and I will see all of guys soon.

VShortt · 05-08-2005, 04:42 PM

After reading your third post in detail, I noticed you had a problem with the bump stop. I also had the problem of the bolt free-spinning inside of the bump stop. I simply left it alone and inspected it several weeks later. All is fine. It isn't going anywhere.

Titan4x4Aggie · 05-08-2005, 04:56 PM

Yeah, one side tightened down really well. I got it on using the regular rachet, and the rubber pressing against the control arm kept it from spinning, and I was able to torque it.

But the other one stopped short, with a good amount of play. I held onto it with a rag to keep it from spinning in my hand, and tried again with the rachet. It felt like the lock-nut was caught on the threads, since the bump stop was still lose. So, i started cranking on it, it broke free, and it kept on racheting. But, aparently the nut didn't break free of the bolt, but the bolt broke free from inside the bump stop.

Mine is still pretty lose. I'm not too worried, but I still will talk to Greg about it.

Titan4x4Aggie · 05-08-2005, 05:03 PM

I ended up taking 99 to 90 to Hwy 6. I went down to Alvin, and took 517 into the Clear Lake area. Again, on paper it seemed like a good idea. Due to a lack of road signs and town markers, it was a lot harder than I thought.

On the bright side:

They have gas for only $1.93 at Buckee's Gas Station in Alvin!

*jhromy* · 05-09-2005, 06:40 AM

looks like you guys had fun....nice mods

HavockWK · 05-09-2005, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan4x4Aggie

5 Guys (Havock, VShortt, MAX, VShortt's neighbor, and myself) + 5 TITANS + 3 Large Pizzas + 12 Shiner Bocks + 6 Hard Ciders = 1 LONG NIGHT OF FUN (and work)

Don't forget the 2 Zimas!!!!!

HavockWK · 05-09-2005, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VShortt

After reading your third post in detail, I noticed you had a problem with the bump stop. I also had the problem of the bolt free-spinning inside of the bump stop. I simply left it alone and inspected it several weeks later. All is fine. It isn't going anywhere.

Yeah, my driver's side bump stop is torqued to spec, but the passenger side came loose inside the bump stop itself. It is on pretty tight, so we didn't worry about it.

If yours is loose so that it wobbles back and forth, I don't think that will work because it could lead to a failure of the bump stop. I'm sure PRG will hook you up and help you out.

HavockWK · 05-09-2005, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VShortt

Nice post man. Good to see you got the bump stops on. I'm glad you guys were all able to come over and hang out. My wife enjoyed meeting all of you. She thinks its neat that we were all able to meet over the board and get together to hang out, drink a little, and make aggie's truck look sweeeeeet!!! My apologies Ag for not getting more involved. As you all were aware, I am battling a bout with pnemonia and feeling much better. Of course, even that didn't keep me from having a few Zima's with you guys. Now you will be able to show off your "new" truck at the meet in just 13 short days!! Take care and I will see all of guys soon.

Thanks VShortt for hosting this garage day!

Thanks Titan4x4Aggie for being the victim and brake line guinea pig!

Thanks MOTO-MAX-TITAN for the pizza!

Thanks Ronnie for showing us how to mirror swap!

Wait... What the heck was I there for?

Titan4x4Aggie · 05-09-2005, 11:22 AM

I'm surprised I didn't see many posts from yall yesterday. I was all cloudy and raining, so I figuring yall would be amassing 100+ posts in various threads.

Guess your wives made you both make up for the 8 hrs spent with the TITAN guys on a saturday night.

HavockWK · 05-09-2005, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan4x4Aggie

I'm surprised I didn't see many posts from yall yesterday. I was all cloudy and raining, so I figuring yall would be amassing 100+ posts in various threads.

Guess your wives made you both make up for the 8 hrs spent with the TITAN guys on a saturday night.

Yeah, and it was Mother's Day. Sometimes she feels neglected because I spend too much time here, so I promised her I would stay off TT all day yesterday.

scottsbro23 · 05-09-2005, 12:02 PM

Hey t4ag...

It looks good bro...

I'm tryin for next month for my PRG purchase...not a priority to the war dept.
...what the hell does she know....lol