Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Front end work.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 2, 2012 | 11:46 PM
  #1  
rottenstock's Avatar
rottenstock
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Springfield
Front end work.

Hello folks.

So i need to replace the ball joints in my truck. Was also going to replace the tie rods since I'd be that far into it.

I'm wondering if there is anything else I should replace while i've gotten it all torn apart.




1993 Ford F-150 - 4x4
 
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2012 | 12:24 AM
  #2  
minnesotafisherman's Avatar
minnesotafisherman
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 1
From: Northern MN
You should do your front axle shaft u-joints. There are 3 total.
 
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2012 | 12:32 AM
  #3  
Tsoptich's Avatar
Tsoptich
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Selah
Not a bad time to double check/ replace the wheel bearings and seals. Since you have it all apart for the ballpoints.
 
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2012 | 08:50 PM
  #4  
rottenstock's Avatar
rottenstock
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Springfield
I'm looking at rockauto for parts. Are there any particular brands I should stay away from?

I've heard good things about Raybestos ans was thinking of going with them for all the parts I need.

Any thoughts or input?
 
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2012 | 01:12 AM
  #5  
Tsoptich's Avatar
Tsoptich
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Selah
Raybestso are good, for ball joints I like moog timken bearings and seals.
 
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2012 | 11:20 AM
  #6  
firewood truck's Avatar
firewood truck
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Charm City
Originally Posted by rottenstock
I'm looking at rockauto for parts. Are there any particular brands I should stay away from?

I've heard good things about Raybestos ans was thinking of going with them for all the parts I need.

Any thoughts or input?
There's only a few really good brand names to look for when doing chassis/suspension work, MOOG and Ingalls Engineering. If you look through a MOOG catalog, sometimes you will see a part offered as a 'problem solver' part- they are a different design ( in comparison to the O.E. part) that offers a better quality solution to a high wear item, you will see this a lot in the ball joint and tie rod offerings. Ingalls Engineering is the company that actually does the design and R&D work behind those parts so some times you can get the same 'problem solver' part direct from Ingalls for a better price. On these ferds, a prime example is the camber bushings used on the upper BJ.
 
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2012 | 01:23 PM
  #7  
minnesotafisherman's Avatar
minnesotafisherman
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 1
From: Northern MN
Raybestos. Put them in my truck this year.

I have heard too many stories of Moog ball joints failing early and not lasting more than a couple years. Raybestos seem to be top of the line quality. I like them.
 
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2012 | 01:40 PM
  #8  
Volvo92906's Avatar
Volvo92906
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 1
From: Toledo, Ohio
Moog used to be really good... Not so much any more. And I hate to say the same about Timken, but I did wheel bearings 4 times on my car in a matter of 6 months before switching to some NAPA brand. Could just be the Auto Zone Timkens though?

As others have said.... Front U-Joints cause you will be in that far. Wheel bearings wouldnt hurt.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Nov 4, 2012 | 02:13 PM
  #9  
Tsoptich's Avatar
Tsoptich
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Selah
Napa brand bearings and seals are good. It sucks to see timken and moog loosing ground as quality parts. Some are good and can't be beat but from what I have used regularly have worked out good. I am going to have to look into Ingalls engineering haven't heard of them. I like the ease of autozone especially with their rewards card but they have their down falls in parts quality.
 
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 11:20 AM
  #10  
rottenstock's Avatar
rottenstock
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Springfield
Well, i went ahead and purchased all the parts. 4 ball joints, inner/outer tie rod ends. all raybestos.

spent $109 shipped from rockauto. hopefully be able to do this this weekend.
 
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 07:47 PM
  #11  
rottenstock's Avatar
rottenstock
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Springfield
Hey, another question...

Should i go head and replace all my camber bushings? I dont know of any way to check them, and I know i'll need to get an alignment after I replace all the ball joints and tie-rods.

If i should replace them, what ones should i get? i've seen a few and they all have different +/- to them.
 
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 08:34 PM
  #12  
bashby's Avatar
bashby
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
Put your camber bushings back in the way they come out.
 
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 08:40 PM
  #13  
blkF250HD's Avatar
blkF250HD
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 1
From: Hartland, WI
Agreed, mark them for reference if needed, and put them in as they came out. Also anti-seize the threads on the adjuster sleeves so the people at the alignment shop don't have to fight too much.
 
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 10:26 PM
  #14  
rottenstock's Avatar
rottenstock
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Springfield
Well that's what i'm worried about. Since i don't know how to tell if they're bad or not. I dont want to get ripped off at an alignment shop. Especially since I can do all the repair work myself.

Ya know?

Maybe i'm being overly paranoid.
 
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 10:34 PM
  #15  
hunterstroble's Avatar
hunterstroble
New User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Not a bad idea to do radius arm bushings when you're that close.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:36 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE