front end rebuild

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Feb 16, 2017 | 08:32 PM

rsylvstr

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Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 3,489

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From: Central NY

front end rebuild

Yes, I've searched and read a lot. Last year I replaced my front swaybar links and wheel hubs.

Since I don't have a press (or reason to buy one other than this job) I'm looking at doing:

- loaded upper control arms
- loaded lower control arms (instead of just doing the ball joints, I want to replace the bushings also...this may be more expensive but a lot easier)
- inner and outer tie rod ends

what else? bushing wise especially...without a press.
if it is critical, then I may get them pressed out.

Feb 17, 2017 | 08:02 AM

rsylvstr

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 3,489

Likes: 45

From: Central NY

also, no air tools. Looking at those LCA's, they appear to be in their with limited access. 3/4" breaker bar should do it....any other advice on what to replace?

Feb 18, 2017 | 08:44 AM

steve(ill)

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Joined: Jul 2005

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If you buy lower ball joints local, they normally will loan you the press to push them out. It is MUCH easier to use an impact gun to do this as compared to wrenches and sockets, but can be done. Mark the location of the bolts on the upper and lower arms prior to removal... try to get as close as possible when reassemble. You will definitely need an alignment as soon as possible afterward. I have never replace the lower arm, but have done the ball joint on several trucks. Upper arms come with a new ball joint so I go that way the first time, then MOGG. Never ran into a bad bushing yet.

Feb 18, 2017 | 09:09 AM

rsylvstr

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 3,489

Likes: 45

From: Central NY

Thanks. So no need to replace sway bar frame bushings as PM since I'm in this thing already? Or the lower arm bushings?

Feb 18, 2017 | 10:20 PM

steve(ill)

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unless you see significant wear, I would not replace as a PM........ I never have replaced them.

Feb 20, 2017 | 06:04 AM

rsylvstr

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 3,489

Likes: 45

From: Central NY

Probably right. Looks like a real pain.

Feb 21, 2017 | 07:52 PM

96f150

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 1,713

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From: In my House

...Im following this too Rob...I need to do the same on my truck...I will have to take a pic and post it, becasue the rubber bushing on the upper control arms looks like its dry rotted and crumbling...maybe its still ok further in? who knows......I got scared when I looked at my bed crossmember supports the other day!!!! Going to have to fix them too!

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Feb 22, 2017 | 04:53 PM

steve(ill)

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Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 11,931

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a lot of bushings (rubber) will dry and crack on the surface.. They may or may not go deep. You need to pry around and try to move the arms to see if they actually are moving or have failed bushings.