'76 4x4 front end

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Apr 1, 2003 | 09:24 AM

DutchmanAZ

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Tuned

Joined: Oct 2001

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'76 4x4 front end

Hello everyone. I recently was hit by another car on the front driver's side. I drove it home, but the front end is way out of alignment. I took it into a shop, and they first said I probably had a bent tie rod; they just called, and said basically the whole front end is worn out (probably true), and would cost a ton to replace everything.
Sorry for being long winded, but what is "everything"? They mentioned ball joints. I'm thinking of getting them to adjust whatever they can so I can still drive it, and redo the other stuff myself. What should I expect to replace, and can a guy redo it himself? I'm guessing I'd have to take it back to get the final alignment done.
Thanks for any and all help..

Apr 1, 2003 | 01:20 PM

72f100

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Joined: Mar 2001

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'76 4x4 front end

Ball joints could very well be shot. These have to be pressed in so that's shop job. I always buy the parts myself as most shops hike the price of parts WAY up. You may also need new tie rod ends. These can get kinda pricey but nothing too bad. If you had to replace all four ball joints and both tie rod ends I don't think it should be much more than a couple hundred bucks at most.

Apr 2, 2003 | 08:24 AM

DutchmanAZ

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Joined: Oct 2001

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'76 4x4 front end

thanks for the information. So if I'm understanding you correctly,
I wouldn't be able to replace the ball joints on my own?
What all is entailed with doing this?
Thanks again.

Apr 2, 2003 | 09:16 AM

Ford79

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Joined: Mar 2000

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From: Hampstead, NC

'76 4x4 front end

You could do it yourself with a ball joint press. You might be able to rent one at a local auto parts store. They look like an extremely heavy duty c clamp and have a bunch of different dies with it. Here's what mine looks like