Fitting the new axle and spraying the rear cross member.

I recently started to fit the new rear axle. First task was to install the dislocation cones in to the turrets.

Once both of these had been fitted I dragged the axle into place and attached the springs to the spring plates. I have decided to install all my new suspension components while changing the axle, as it's already off installing now will save some time. However I will not be using my new springs as they are for heavy vehicles and unladen could rip the shocks apart. So for the time being spaces have been used with the stock springs to give the lift, and I will swap over the springs when the Defender has reached the correct weight.

 Then lifted the axle into place and held it with some straps while I went around connecting every thing up. Here you can see the new radius arms with new bushes installed.

New shock installed, and radius arm connected.

The paint also arrived for the rear cross member, so I masked it up.

And then started spraying - first layer of undercoat.

While that was drying I put the Defender back on all four wheels.

Here is the cross member after 2 under coats and 3 top coats. there will be 1 maybe 2 more coats and its done. Picture is a big crap, but it looks really good! Just hope I don't need to modify it in the future.

I also had to take the self levelling unit off again,so the brackets got sprayed in chassis paint and the arms got some Dinitrol. Then the bushes were fitted.

Now I'm waiting for some more bits to be delivered and for some more money before I can continue........