End of March
 Installing front suspension

Front Suspension
Next items to install were the lower control arms, the axle spindle and the coil over-shocks. Not hard to do but the bracket that came with the kit (the piece holding the upper ball joint) was a tight fit on the spindle. It had to be spread just a little to get it to fit on the spindle.

Here you can see the lower control arm, the spindle, upper "A" arm from  the kit and the coil over-shocks.

Hint: when you install the upper ball joint pay attention to the hole for the cotter pin. Rotate the ball joint so you will be able to insert a cotter pin.  It will be obvious what I mean when you look at the parts in person.

Front Suspension with dust plate

The forum had several postings about adjusting the coil over-springs but the instructions did not say anything about that yet.  So for now the springs are just hand tight (I did not yet use the tool that came with the kit).

Here is a closer view after installing the brake dust plate.  The baggie is holding some cotter pins for the steering linkage.  I figure this way I am less likely to forget them.

Next was the steering rack.  Per the instructions I placed as many washers as I could (6 to be exact, for spacers) towards the front. 

When I installed the steering rack per the instructions I found my front wheels were way out of alignment.  They were toed in way too much.  I need to go to the Cobra forum to ask advice on that item. That explains why the cotter pins were not installed yet.... I figure I will need to do some more adjustments on the tire alignment.


Front Brakes
I had a question about the position of the bracket that held the lower end of the coil over-shock. There was not a real good picture in the manual.  I went with what looked right and checked  how it was installed on Darren's Cobra (a local FFR owner) and I guessed right.  Lucky me... I should have bought a lottery ticket.

Next I had the original rotors turned at a local brake shop.  Re-packed the inner and outer  bearings. The inner seal was also replaced. 

The original calipers from the Donor were put on with the original pads because the original pads looked almost brand new.

I put a coat of paint on those brackets that hold the upper ball joints.

Factory Five                  FFR Discussion Forum
Total hours so far:  11 hours

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