There are numerous checklists for lifting the body, even though they
might not all be complete. However, it becomes quite clear when you "missed" something.

I am now at the stage of dropping (definitely this weekend) the body.

So, I want to start a list here that covers all the things you would
want to do BEFORE dropping the body. The list can pertain to the chassis
or body components. For example, you drop the body, start attaching
and hooking eveything up ... realizing later that you should have
installed the positive battery cable FIRST.

So, post your pre-drop checklist items, and I will add them to the list.
I'll start with chassis items that need to be torqued (and pinned) - then
lists of things that should be in place to make the rest of the hookup easy.

BODY DROP CHECKLIST

Check/Torque following fasteners:
front caliper mounting bolts
front sway bar bracket bolts
front shock bolts and top nut
front ball joint to spindle nuts
inner/outer tie rod nuts
idler arm to frame bolts
idler arm to center link nut
steering box to frame bolts
pitman arm nut
front upper/lower control arm shaft bolts/nuts
P/S ram ball stud nut
P/S ram bushing nut
P/S hoses
P/S control valve to pitman arm nut
motor mount bolts
tranny mount bolts
auto tranny crossmember to frame bolts
drive shaft strap bolts
differential front bushing
differential cover bolts
differential cover to crossmember bolts
diff crossmember to frame bolts
strut rod bracket to diff bolts
half shaft cap bolts/strap nuts (inner)
half shaft to spindle flange bolts (and spindle flange nut)
rear trailing arm pivot bolt (not fully torqued until aligned)
trailing arm shims (approx)(with big cotter pin)
rear caliper mounting bolts
rear shock mount to bearing support nut
rear shock nut and bolt
rear spring bolt
rear sway bar brackets (if any)
gas tank crossmember
gas tank straps

Installed in chassis:
full drive train with exhaust
fuel lines
brake lines
auto tranny lines
speedo cable (lower)
steering/tranny lockout cable
seat belt safety cable
tranny bellhousing collar shield
#2 mount body shields
parking brake rear cable(s)
parking brake pulley
gas tank with overflow collar/hose and sender

Installed on body:
radiator support
headlight assemblies
doors (not required for coupe)
both battery cables
All wiring
All vacuum lines
tranny tunnel fiberglass insulator
#3 mount body shields (certain years)
auto tranny shifter and cable
parking brake front cable and handle
radiator overflow tank
windshield washer tank
inside heater box
outside blower motor box (or AC evap box)

 

Install new Radiator Overflow Tank and Windshiel Washer Jar before body drop. Especially '77-'82

jim

 

yup - plus reminds me ... heater box (in and out) and AC box, too.

 

Awesome list, I am still working on the lift part, but this will be handy 6 months down the road!