I took my '88 Trooper (2.6L 4cyl. 5sp. manual) to a local respected auto shop to see about an exhasut leak I was having and get them to take a look at the suspension. They said that the downpipe / header pipe is leaking, but the manifold is fine (but very rusted). They priced just the pipe at $158 and there labor is not cheap. My first question is if I should just buy the Pacesetter header that Independant4x4 sells? I have basic skills and all the tools necessary to to the work myself. The listing on Indy said that there may need to be fabrication to get the header to fit, is this true or just a general statement? As far as the suspension goes, they called and told me that the shocks are blown (which I pretty much knew), bushings are shot, and there is so much rust on the other components that they might just crumble apart when they are installing shocks/bushings. I want to buy Racho 5000s or compareable shocks, however I have no idea about the rest. What would the best option be for an suspension overhaul be without spending a ton? Is this a possible task to take on without taking it to someone who specializes in suspension? Thanks for the input!

~Carsonmnc
http://www.cardomain.com/id/carsonmnc

yes <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (well you asked)





general statement............even "bolt-ons" take a little massaging sometimes.

on an 88 trooper it's a straight bolt on. you will need to deal with the colector hookup....welding is the easiest, but it can/has been done w/ reducers and clamps.




what else are they trying to get you to replace after the shocks and bushings? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I have not been able to talk to the mechanic yet, just the receptionist <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />.. She listed a whole slew of parts that were rusted badly, I really need to look myself.. One thing I think she said was the control arms <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />.. I will talk to the mechanic this afternoon and figure it out exactly, they are pricing up the repairs.. I know that it will be way more than I should pay. Thanks for the quick response and I will update with what I hear from the mechanic.

Went by the shop, they jerked me around until I just asked for my keys and left. They charged me $35 for a 'smoke test' to tell me "the pipe that goes from your manifold to the exhaust is broken, we can replace it for ~$200".. I never was able to talk to a mechanic, and she told me that they can only use their supplier's parts (read OE) in order to guarantee any of the work, which was going to cost over $200 for the shocks and another $200 or more for the bushings.." She also was trying to advise me against Racho's beacause they are for "going off road, like when you need to drop your wheels down into a rut.." (offroading.. what's that.. I guess I just put 31" tires on for the way they look <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />) So I am for sure going to buy the header and go ahead with Ranchos and bushings from Indy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> If anyone has anyone has any advice for the install, let me know! Thanks again Matt for the help. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

~Carsonmnc

The downpipe on my Trooper (same year and model) completely sheared apart at one of the welds about a year ago. It was funny because I noticed the truck was suddenly getting louder and louder and the farther I drove I got dizzier and dizzier.

Anyways, I had a local muffler shop weld the EXHAUST PIPE back together for $30 and it took them about 20 minutes to do it.

If the hole is where I think it is then it's an easy fix. If not then just go for the new exhaust manifold. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Heh just did a PaceSetter Install not too long ago. I have a link for you:

http://gitout.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=121

That basicly has the main knitty gritty about it from my standpoint. Remember though, your results may very. I usually have very bad luck with these things.

I heard the down pipe story on my rodeo as well just before I shipped my truck from Rhode Island to the tune of $200-$600, I moved out west and ran down to two days to get it smogged in california or I would be running from the law on RI plates.

Took it to a local custom shop to hear it on a lift, and ended up replacing the flex pipe for $35, and two beers. There is a flexible pipe with braided wire mesh after the cats and cross pipes in the middle which takes the brunt of the corosion and is easily replaced. Mine was dripping black goo when I looked at it.

..on the shocks, do it yourself and buy ranchos or hd shocks or risk blowing more shocks. Rancho shocks should come with bushings. Three words.

1. WD40.
2. Butane torch.
3. Dremmel tool.

A frozen bolt will ruin your whole day. WD40 the piss out of the nuts before you mess with them and/or have an air rachet available (with the correct 6pt socket). In a pinch you can use a butane torch to lightly expand the nut if frozen, but be careful mixing wd40 and fire. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />

The dremmel tool is to modify the bushings slightly to slide between the lower flanges if necessary.

This can be done in 2-3 hours if the bolts behave, and you have some music going in the background.

Chris

My suggestion on the shocks is to cut the tops of the rears off. The rusted control arm can be looked at, I replaced my lower control arm because of rust. I'd suggest a shop doing that if it needs done.

Shocks and bushings can be done at home.

Joe

I think one of your problems might be that you need a new mech...but thats just me.

Your rear bushings for your leafs are probably worn through as well. You can probably tell if you have a clunking sound coming from the back when going around hard turns. (?) You can replace those bushings, then while you are back there, you can go ahead and go to longer shackles (INDY4X or DOR) and get an inch of lift. Thats what i did.

Ranchos are good, the 5000's are a little rough, but hey, they are for going off road arent they?

HTH,
-J <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Hey, thanks for all the help everyone.. I have decided to buy the header (Autopartswarehouse.com $169.00 shipped) and have a go at installing it. Also, I am going with the Pro Comp 9000s, 2" lift shackles, and a full set of bushings. I have an air wrench, and I will make sure to use pleenty of WD40! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I will give an update with how everything goes...