Just bought a low mile CTSV Wagon. Its an automatic. Been reading through old threads the past week or so to learn about the car. Went through the state inspection yesterday and they found a small fuel leak at the tank. Not enough to leak on the ground but its there. Did some research and saw the common fuel hat problem. Not exactly what I was looking forward as my first project. Can't bring myself to cutting a hole in the floor so I'm going to drop the rear suspension. Wish me luck. lol

BW, sorry for the multiples, computer issues. Sask V has gone through dropping the rear suspension, he may have some tips/tricks to save you some grief...

 

Just bought a low mile CTSV Wagon. Its an automatic. Been reading through old threads the past week or so to learn about the car.

Went through the state inspection yesterday and they found a small fuel leak at the tank. Not enough to leak on the ground but its there. Did some research and saw the common fuel hat problem. Not exactly what I was looking forward as my first project.

Can't bring myself to cutting a hole in the floor so I'm going to drop the rear suspension. Wish me luck. lol

Awesome! Welcome to the brotherhood of V wagon owners (some of us are V wagon G'pas too )

I replaced the fuel pump module in my wagon over the past winter and, like you, was absolutely NOT about to butcher the pristine factory sheet metal to do so and I dropped the rear cradle on a 4 post lift. I've documented that and published some photos of the process here. Let me know if you have any questions, happy to help from afar.

Oh and be sure to share a photo or two of your new pride and joy! You'll soon find out that this is a... ahem, "requirement of admission" to the fold.

 

Haven't taken many pictures of the car yet.

 

Welcome to the MODness!!

We Like PITCHAS!!

 

welcome

 

Welcome!

Also, when doing google searches for V related stuff start your search with ctsvowners.com and then what you are searching for.

 

You should know, Mr. Surly will want the deet's on how your ride is spec'ed, options, mods, and more PITCHAS!! We've learned it's best to indulge him......

 

Welcome.

Dropping the rear cradle isn‘t as terrible or daunting as it seems. I did mine in my garage on the floor when I did the CS cradle bushings, which getting the stock ones out was way more of a pain than the cradle drop. Get a load spreader bar for your jack and it’ll help a bit. I’d also lift the whole car up as opposed to just the rear. In retrospect I should have done the ALM fuel hat when I did the bushings, but apparently I enjoy suffering.

 

Luckily I have a lift. Already dropped the exhaust and driveshaft. Didn't feel comfortable using the two pole jacks to lower the cradle so I ordered a transmission jack that should be here Wednesday. I ordered the ALM fuel hat Friday so hopefully that arrives soon. The car is bone stock so I've been contemplating trying an aftermarket exhaust. On FB Marketplace there is a guy selling a Stainless Works cat back kit I may be able to get for a decent price. But I don't really want loud....I just want a little rumble. lol
Anything else I should look into while I have all this apart?

Thanks Guys!

 

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Luckily I have a lift. Already dropped the exhaust and driveshaft. Didn't feel comfortable using the two pole jacks to lower the cradle so I ordered a transmission jack that should be here Wednesday. I ordered the ALM fuel hat Friday so hopefully that arrives soon. The car is bone stock so I've been contemplating trying an aftermarket exhaust. On FB Marketplace there is a guy selling a Stainless Works cat back kit I may be able to get for a decent price. But I don't really want loud....I just want a little rumble. lol
Anything else I should look into while I have all this apart?

Thanks Guys!

Check your rear shocks while there. Changing the rears is another labor intensive task, that requires significant interior work to get to the upper bolts. Not trying to scare you, just wanted to give you a heads up...

 

You don't need to drop the tank very far in order to have enough room to get at the fuel pump module either.

And you WILL NEED lock ring tool to reinstall the new hat. Don't even try to hammer the lock ring back in place using a punch or screwdriver. But by the appearance of your shop, you've likely done this kind of wrenching before.

 

Welcome, and way to dive right in BlackWagon!!

 

Well done, well done. Carry on!

 

Certainly worth it to check all the rubber, sway arm bushings, rear cradle bushings etc

 

Well done on your purchase. I still love my manual wagon after 10 years and have no desire to change it .