Even more
ketchup. I'm behind on the updates to the rig and will catch you guys up in the next week or so from the end of last year.
New CV axle time. My passenger CV axle boot split open and spilled it's grease guts out everywhere, and not too long later it started clicking when turning. And interestingly enough, it was the very same CV axle that I had replaced when doing the Rancho suspension lift install. I couldn't find any OEM CV axles locally for pick-up, so I bought an off brand from a local auto store so I didn't have to wait. The driver's side CV axle is an OEM axle & is the very same axle that has been in the truck since I bought it, and it hasn't failed yet. So that's another case to always buy an OEM CV axle as many people have said on here.
So back in August, I replaced the cheap China CV axle with an OEM, and bought the Badland Industries front differential side bushings to do at the same time. Since my passenger side bushing looked shot, I figured that I might as well do both at the same time.
Here you can see the new OEM axle compared to the split China axle.
Took out the old worn OEM bushing and installed the new Badland Industries bushing.
So to do these, easiest way was to take out the brackets, and use a drill and drill bit to drill holes in the rubber in a circumference. Then rotate the drill around the center support to release it. Afterwards, take a sawzall and cut the outermost metal casing in the bracket hole. But not cutting so far to hit the bracket material. Then take a hammer and flathead screwdriver to bend the ears in of that single cut you made. Should make the outer casing circumference slightly cave in, since it is pressed into the bushing bracket. Much easier than burning these out, and even if you did that, would still have to remove the outer metal casing of the OEM bushing.
^^^ Passenger side done. Badland Industries bushing installed and new CV installed.
Below, had to re-orientate the driver's side diff bushing drop support. For whatever reason, they are apparently angled in certain way, and Rancho didn't make them symmetrical. They made two of the same pieces and pointed it out in the instructions, but is easy to miss. Passnger side diff bushing drop support bolt is supposed to be visible. Driver's side corner is facing front-left, so you cannot view the bolt ---- which makes it a bit harder to get a tool back there to tighten up the nut and bolt. Big thanks to Joshua aka 4Lo-Tank for letting me know.
All done.