andyfreelandy
Well-Known Member
- Posts
- 5,579
- Location
- Devon
Did this job today on another TD4 that looks like it has been paddling in the salt water !
Used many references from this site, but to confirm:
1. No need to remove exhaust, just drop off rear hangers and rest on the subframe.
2. Disconnect the prop from the diff and tie it to the rear torsion bars (the ones that prevent twist).
3. Support car on ramps and then jack and support car on axle stands, just slightly higher than sitting naturally.
4. All bolts will need to come out of subframe to get clearance to remove fuel tank cradle, support diff with a jack on a block of wood and lower gently. If you position as above, there should be no way of straining brake pipes etc. The subframe will lower on the suspension arm bushes and the car body and wheels will stay where they are - hopefully anyway !
5. The front 2 fuel tank cradle bolts are too long and go through a captive nut enough to rust up on the exposed threads. I have been lucky in the past and by spraying with penetrating oil the day before they have come out ok, NOT this time, one came out about 1/2 inch then would not go in or out. The captive nut is mounted on a delicate spot welded bracket and so rather than twist this off the car I drilled the head off, removed the burrs and have fitted a washer and nut to the stud.
Apart from the bolt problem, fairly straight forward to do. Plenty of nice rust prevention on the new cradle, well the second hand good condition cradle.
Any questions please ask before I forget!!!
Plenty of rust in the eyes despite the goggles.
Used many references from this site, but to confirm:
1. No need to remove exhaust, just drop off rear hangers and rest on the subframe.
2. Disconnect the prop from the diff and tie it to the rear torsion bars (the ones that prevent twist).
3. Support car on ramps and then jack and support car on axle stands, just slightly higher than sitting naturally.
4. All bolts will need to come out of subframe to get clearance to remove fuel tank cradle, support diff with a jack on a block of wood and lower gently. If you position as above, there should be no way of straining brake pipes etc. The subframe will lower on the suspension arm bushes and the car body and wheels will stay where they are - hopefully anyway !
5. The front 2 fuel tank cradle bolts are too long and go through a captive nut enough to rust up on the exposed threads. I have been lucky in the past and by spraying with penetrating oil the day before they have come out ok, NOT this time, one came out about 1/2 inch then would not go in or out. The captive nut is mounted on a delicate spot welded bracket and so rather than twist this off the car I drilled the head off, removed the burrs and have fitted a washer and nut to the stud.
Apart from the bolt problem, fairly straight forward to do. Plenty of nice rust prevention on the new cradle, well the second hand good condition cradle.
Any questions please ask before I forget!!!
Plenty of rust in the eyes despite the goggles.
