Correcting my front end slop
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
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Correcting my front end slop
I took my truck in to a shop to tighten up the front end play that it had. I want to drive down the road without zigzagging. I had a budget of $800 to start. I got the call that the (Bendix) steering box as well as the tie rod bushings needed to be replaced...Ouch! I decided just to do the Steering box this time since it will cost me $820 just for that part. Does this price seem high?
They want $650 to do the center link and tie rods (my kingpins were fine), so i thought that i would tackle that myself. When i told him that i had the center link replaced last year, he said the bushings still looks bad.
Is this something that a weekend wrencher could do himself? I did replace my fuelpump last weekend with no problems.
What special tools will i need?
How do i handle adjustments for the correct allignment?
Is one source better then others for these parts?
Thanks for your advice?
They want $650 to do the center link and tie rods (my kingpins were fine), so i thought that i would tackle that myself. When i told him that i had the center link replaced last year, he said the bushings still looks bad.
Is this something that a weekend wrencher could do himself? I did replace my fuelpump last weekend with no problems.
What special tools will i need?
How do i handle adjustments for the correct allignment?
Is one source better then others for these parts?
Thanks for your advice?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
I took my truck in to a shop to tighten up the front end play that it had. I want to drive down the road without zigzagging. I had a budget of $800 to start. I got the call that the (Bendix) steering box as well as the tie rod bushings needed to be replaced...Ouch! I decided just to do the Steering box this time since it will cost me $820 just for that part. Does this price seem high?
They want $650 to do the center link and tie rods (my kingpins were fine), so i thought that i would tackle that myself. When i told him that i had the center link replaced last year, he said the bushings still looks bad.
Is this something that a weekend wrencher could do himself? I did replace my fuelpump last weekend with no problems.
What special tools will i need?
How do i handle adjustments for the correct allignment?
Is one source better then others for these parts?
They want $650 to do the center link and tie rods (my kingpins were fine), so i thought that i would tackle that myself. When i told him that i had the center link replaced last year, he said the bushings still looks bad.
Is this something that a weekend wrencher could do himself? I did replace my fuelpump last weekend with no problems.
What special tools will i need?
How do i handle adjustments for the correct allignment?
Is one source better then others for these parts?
DIY wheel alignment? Sure. After replacing the parts, get two tape measures and measure the front of tire and rear of the tire. Adjust the tie rod for 1/8-in toe-in. The measurements have to be in the exact positions of each tire relative to each other. Alternatively, make yourself a pair of toe plates like this: Alignment Crew: DIY Toe Plates
Tools: Pitman arm puller, tie rod puller, torque wrench, grease gun, and your typical hand tools... and toe plates to get ya close enough to get a real alignment.
Oh.. a center link doesn't have bushings... it has grease boots.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
If it were me, I would run fast away from that place. I also would look at buying a 73-76 donor if you have a 360 and swap those I-beams in for the Saginaw steering and power disc brakes.
You'll be much happier in the long run, for less money.
John
You'll be much happier in the long run, for less money.
John
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Red Head steering box
I emailed Red Head about having my steering box rebuilt a few months ago. They said as soon as they got my core box in the mail they'd ship one of their rebuilds (which is better than a factory box) the same day. Said they had them on the shelf waiting for core exchanges to ship. Still saving to get one of their rebuilds myself, but $820 just for the part they quoted you seems EXTREMELY high to me. You can get a complete set of tie rods from LMC for about $200, I was pricing them yesterday. Not a tough thing to do yourself, but I'd have a buddy around for safety and extra grrrr when needed. And you can borrow most of the odd tools from the local parts desk if you're near one.
Hope this helps,
Joe
1968 flareside is my baby. 460/C6 combo.
Hope this helps,
Joe
1968 flareside is my baby. 460/C6 combo.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
There shouldn't be much more than an hour to swap out the gear, I believe I could do it myself in an hour.
Gears can leak, but we don't hear a lot about them being worn out. Not to say that they don't. The Saginaw that Ford went to in 73 is a lot better gear. I had to put a seal kit in mine from a 76 at the time of install but have used it for 12 years with no other issues. It requires the column to be swapped at the same time because ti top connect points are different.
John
Gears can leak, but we don't hear a lot about them being worn out. Not to say that they don't. The Saginaw that Ford went to in 73 is a lot better gear. I had to put a seal kit in mine from a 76 at the time of install but have used it for 12 years with no other issues. It requires the column to be swapped at the same time because ti top connect points are different.
John
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