On the Ground & Mobile!

Today saw the Impala return to mother earth again, on all four paws, for the first time in around three months!

We used the old sway bar D-shackle bushes until we replace the incorrect ones.

With the wheels on bricks, we could access the suspension to nip up all the bush nuts and grease the ball joints.

Bouncing the suspension showed everything to be silky smooth. Steering was stiff at first turn, but quickly smoothed out as we grease did its thing.

Next was a quick wheel alignment. The steering wheel and wheels looked to be pointing pretty much where we wanted straight out of the box.

A block of wood against the rim, held up against a vertical spirit level helped set the camber ever so slightly negative.

With no auto choke, starting is a bit of a pig, but it was soon started and the 327 warmed in prep for the oil change.

Then it was auto trans fluid change time. The old stuff was a) awful and b) only 2L! Around 3L of the new stuff put the level about half way twixt add and full.

Next, the engine oil was drained (again filthy) and filter removed. We soon discovered the Ryco Z24 aint to right filter! I have a cartridge filter, so a very quick dash to Auto One, Waitara managed to acquire a Ryco R2124P (cartridge style) filter with minutes to spare before they closed on a Sunday arvo (4PM on a Sunday... for future reference ;-)!

With new filter and oil in (and sump plug washer), Joe fired up and took a quick drive up and down the street.

John + kids then left for church.

It wanted to change direction suddenly with each turn, so Joe stuck it back on the stands and it was toe-ing out. A quick adjust of the tie rod ends go the toe looking better. Another hit and all was sweet!

A great way to finish the day!

Big thanks again to JtC! Now on to the smaller stuff...