Axle stand locations for changing front droplinks

[Kincaid]

If you've changed yours where did you put them? The Bongo Service Manual doesn't seem to give advice on Axle stand locations......

[mikexgough]

Drive up onto ramps..... job done...

[MAZABON]

been so long since i done them on my last bongo that i cant remember, i dont think i got as far as using them, just left it on the trolley jack i think

i do tend to use a wedge of newspaper or old cloth between the jack/axle stand heads though to help prevent chewing up or denting anything underneath

[briwy]

This may help

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =3&t=44661

[mikeonb4c]

Drive up onto ramps..... job done...

Yup - you don't need to do more than that. Alternatively, I did mine one side at a time I think (memory dims) just using the scissor jack and removing the wheel, as with the front (ball type) droplinks it is not even necessary to have the axle evenly loaded when they are fitted (you must ensure you do that with the rear ones though, and that the axle is under normal load, as otherwise the rubber bushes will be left under (uneven) tension when you put the car back under normal load .

[Kincaid]

Thanks for the advice. So I'm planning on putting the axle stands below the cross member therefore leaving the lower arms free to move up/down for relocation of the drop links -does this sound about right?

Reading the referenced threads above I'll also remove the ARB in full (with droplinks attached).

[steveyd]

Hi,

Thats what I did - jacked it up in the centre of the front crossmember then 2 axle stands either side. I was under the impression that with drop links or anything ARB related you had to have no load at either end- otherwise when undoing the bolt on the unloaded side there would be a big TWANG probably followed by much cussing (& possible blood..).

My links were pretty well seized on and had to get the hacksaw out - easy enough for the top nuts but less so for the bottom ones - I think found it was a lot easier to undo the 4 bolts holding the ARB on, whip out the whole ARB with bottom links still attached and then I could get at them much easier with the hacksaw - I was doing the mounts and bushes too so would have to take it off anyway.

cheers,

Steve

[mikeonb4c]

Hi,

Thats what I did - jacked it up in the centre of the front crossmember then 2 axle stands either side. I was under the impression that with drop links or anything ARB related you had to have no load at either end- otherwise when undoing the bolt on the unloaded side there would be a big TWANG probably followed by much cussing (& possible blood..).

My links were pretty well seized on and had to get the hacksaw out - easy enough for the top nuts but less so for the bottom ones - I think found it was a lot easier to undo the 4 bolts holding the ARB on, whip out the whole ARB with bottom links still attached and then I could get at them much easier with the hacksaw - I was doing the mounts and bushes too so would have to take it off anyway.

cheers,

Steve

You could be right about that - I recall using a scissor jack when I did mine, but I honestly can't remember whether I then let the axle relax back on to an axle stand thus putting the load back on it. I do recall though that - unlike the rear end - it was not necessary to have the vehicle level as seen from the front. there's been lots of advice on old thread - have a search.

On top of my bad memory, I have raging toothache at present which is not helping my concentration!

[Kincaid]

Cheers guys - thanks for the advice. Looks like I've got what I need to get on with the job.

[cheffy34]

Drive up onto ramps..... job done...

couldn't agree more, i even bought some, shame i have to take my bumper off to get it up the ramps

[mikeonb4c]

Levelling blocks as used on campsites do the same job as ramps.

I seem to recall trying that with my basic Fiamma ramps and finding there was not as much clear space as I'd have liked for working.

[mikeonb4c]

Levelling blocks as used on campsites do the same job as ramps.

I seem to recall trying that with my basic Fiamma ramps and finding there was not as much clear space as I'd have liked for working.

One of three things spring to mind:
1 - You've put on weight and need more room
2 - The bigger blocks are available
3 - The 2 part blocks are also available

To reply:

1 - I have a bad back, so can't do twisting actions, and your words are unkind
2 - they are but I (and many others) don't have 'em so getting them would be extra expense I'd rather spend on axle stands
3 - ditto
4 - I posted simply to caution others