First impressions of Roush install

[Sled]

Thanks to a modified approach and the additional (much appreciated) help from Bexcat, Coastie John and I installed my Roush springs and new struts today. Only took about 8 hours I think, and that included lunch, setup, and cleanup. No major problems this time either:) Unfortunately I left downtown as the Indians game was ended and couldnt really test her out due to heavy traffic. The nose-dive when braking is gone, and the whole car just feels nice and tight. A lot of squeeks are now gone too. The ride is every bit as comfortable as stock; probably mostly due to the new struts vs. 50,000 mile struts. Cornering, is much flatter- though I havnt gotten to push it yet. All said, probably the best $120 I ever spent:biggrin:


One problem however this evening: I was replacing my upper and lower inake manifolds with a cleaned up and painted set (Tony, our T.B. are different! Couldnt use the one from you:shrug: ). Install went fine, but the last part was pretty much in the dark. Problem is I snapped off one of the bolts that holds the UIM to the LIM:mad: It broke in half and is inside the LIM. It was the front passenger side bolt. The upper should be fine but now should I clean up the lower I just replaced and buy 6 new bolts and change out the parts again? What a PITA!:disgust:

[racerx]

Believe me Sled, you will LOVE the cornering ability of your ride now. I LOVE MY ROUSH.

Brian

[Bexcat]

Hey no problem I'm glad I got to finally hook up and help you with your car, I like wrenching. Plus I had the added bonus(s) of meeting another NECO member, a small tour of the Coast Guard grounds, free lunch, and the added knowledge of how to do this job on Becky's car when it comes time to do it. (hopfully soon). How were your brakes initially?

[Sled]

:biggrin: I forgot to pump a few times. Luckily I found out before I got off the Coast Guard grounds. I hit the brakes at the entrance and ...didnt stop.

Got to try out the setup a bit today, but heavy rain kinda made it difficult. Coastie check your lugs!!!!!! ASAP!! My right front was really loose this afternoon. Go figure, it was the last one we did:rolleyes: I do have some odd thumping/ or vibrating sound from the front- sounds like a loose caliper, but I checked the right side and everything was tight- maybe it was the wheel. Only made sound while coasting- braking and accelerating eliminated it. (reason I thought caliper) The sound is faint and there is no corresponding shaking in the wheel or pedals- maybe just hoses rattling or something; guess I just have to drive w/out the radio on for a while and make sure its nothing major.

Thanks again guys:)

[jargolf24]

hey guys for those who have done this themselves, on a scale of 1-10 how hard is it cause i would love to save the money and do it myself

[Bexcat]

THat really depends on your ability. If you are comfortable doing your own brakes then I would attempt it, its really only a few more bolts past a brake job. But if you barely know how to turn a wrench you might want to think twice. If you know someone with the ability then maybe you could tackle it. Where are you at in Ohio? Maybe a couple of us could help.

[jargolf24]

down in cincy, really close to where everyones meeting the 27th, only problem is i donno if my car is gonna be fixed by then, i really miss my cat

[Sled]

A lot depends on 1. have you done this before (or is someone helping who has) 2. How long does it take to free up rusted things like the front rotors. 3. Do not even attempt without having the proper tools! 4.if you strip a bolt/nut or something like that expect a very very long install. I'm sure CoastieJohn, Bexcat and I could do a lot better than our last time (around 8 hours I think?) considering it was more like 14 hours for the first one we did- though with only 2 of us. Also, unless there was just a fluke w/ Coastie's car it looks like the fronts are waaaay easirer on the MTX than ATX. Looks like drive shaft length/ mobility is a huge issue in getting the strut back in.

I'd say with proper tools and people maybe 6 hours (a lift would cut time a lot). First time with some friend(s); Start Early!!

Oh yeah, having a torque wrench is kinda a good idea.

[jargolf24]

alright thanks man gives me something to think about