GSTwithPSI
Well-known member
I swapped a 4 bolt LSD into the 4WS pumpkin last year, and all was good. In the last few weeks though, I've noticed some noise coming from the rear diff. It was strange, because it only happened when I was taking off from a stop at super low RPM after when the diff gets warm. If the car was cold, it wouldn't do it. So, instead of f***ing with the ring and pinion, I just decided to swap in another 4 bolt. In addition, I came to the realization that I hate how the 4WS makes the car feel so unsettled in a high speed sweeper, so I figured now was the time to delete all that crap.
I'll start out by saying I was on a tight timeline to get this done. I've got too many projects, and not enough time and space to tend to them all. I would have liked to weld the trailing arms and install new subframe bushings, but I just didn't have the luxury of waiting around on parts for this particular project. Not to mention, I would have also liked to completely delete all the 4WS crap, but again, didn't have the time to pull the car apart and remove all the bits. I'd chalk this up as a sudo-4WS delete for lazy/busy people.
There is one main concern when deleting the 4WS (if you ask me anyways), which is deciding what to do with the high pressure output lines that run to the rear rack. I found the easiest solution was to just plug the lines right where they dip down from the rack under the car. I came up with a quick and easy solution for this, which basically entailed hacking off the end of the hydraulic line, and converting the fitting into a plug. I was unable to find a legit plug anywhere, so as far as I know, this is your only option.
Here's the feed lines where they dip down below the car. Take the soft hydraulic lines loose, and remove them from the car. Have a pan handy, because these are going to piss power steering fluid everywhere...A lot of PS fluid.
Once the line is off the car, hack off the end with a grinding wheel. Once you do, you should have a steel fitting that's ready to weld. Take a welder and just tack the center closed. Once it's welded closed, you've now got a nice little plug to cap the PS lines off with.
After the lines were capped off, I dropped the rear subframe, and removed all the other 4WS crap. I left the return lines in place, since they snake all the way up under the hood, and deleting them completely would be a major ass pain. I just used a small piece of hose and loop them together at the rear of the car.
Now, the crappy part. CLEAN EVERYTHING. I used a wire wheel, Simple Green, and tons of elbow grease. The subframe got cleaned and rust proofed. The underbody got cleaned as well, then got Rust Bullet, then rubberized undercoating. The Rust Bullet really wasn't required since there wasn't any actual rust to treat, but I've found it to be super durable, and prefer it for coating parts under the chassis.
After everything was dry, I bolted in the subframe.
Lastly, removed all the 4WS decals so I wouldn't be a poser.
I still have a few things left to button up. I need to install the axles, brakes, exhaust and suspension. I got tired of crawling around on the ground like some kind of retarded fat snake though, so it will have to wait until next week.
Time for a beer! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beer.gif
I'll start out by saying I was on a tight timeline to get this done. I've got too many projects, and not enough time and space to tend to them all. I would have liked to weld the trailing arms and install new subframe bushings, but I just didn't have the luxury of waiting around on parts for this particular project. Not to mention, I would have also liked to completely delete all the 4WS crap, but again, didn't have the time to pull the car apart and remove all the bits. I'd chalk this up as a sudo-4WS delete for lazy/busy people.
There is one main concern when deleting the 4WS (if you ask me anyways), which is deciding what to do with the high pressure output lines that run to the rear rack. I found the easiest solution was to just plug the lines right where they dip down from the rack under the car. I came up with a quick and easy solution for this, which basically entailed hacking off the end of the hydraulic line, and converting the fitting into a plug. I was unable to find a legit plug anywhere, so as far as I know, this is your only option.
Here's the feed lines where they dip down below the car. Take the soft hydraulic lines loose, and remove them from the car. Have a pan handy, because these are going to piss power steering fluid everywhere...A lot of PS fluid.
Once the line is off the car, hack off the end with a grinding wheel. Once you do, you should have a steel fitting that's ready to weld. Take a welder and just tack the center closed. Once it's welded closed, you've now got a nice little plug to cap the PS lines off with.
After the lines were capped off, I dropped the rear subframe, and removed all the other 4WS crap. I left the return lines in place, since they snake all the way up under the hood, and deleting them completely would be a major ass pain. I just used a small piece of hose and loop them together at the rear of the car.
Now, the crappy part. CLEAN EVERYTHING. I used a wire wheel, Simple Green, and tons of elbow grease. The subframe got cleaned and rust proofed. The underbody got cleaned as well, then got Rust Bullet, then rubberized undercoating. The Rust Bullet really wasn't required since there wasn't any actual rust to treat, but I've found it to be super durable, and prefer it for coating parts under the chassis.
After everything was dry, I bolted in the subframe.
Lastly, removed all the 4WS decals so I wouldn't be a poser.
I still have a few things left to button up. I need to install the axles, brakes, exhaust and suspension. I got tired of crawling around on the ground like some kind of retarded fat snake though, so it will have to wait until next week.
Time for a beer! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beer.gif
