Hey Guys, I am about to start a series of projects on my 06 FX4...mainly to restore, improve, and tinker.

My first job is going to be the front end. I made a post awhile back about already having the Bilstein 5100's in my garage, and I was curious as to what else I should do at the same time. I have decided to do Upper/lower control arms (Moog...or whatever else is recommend...Detroit Axle?), Sway bar end links, and I guess tie rod ends.

Can someone chime in with some advice as to what else I should do? I'm curious about things like torque specs, what parts I should lube (and with what), and common issues I should expect to run into so that I can stay sane as I do this, and hopefully be prepared.

Afterwards I know I will be taking it in for an alignment.

Lastly, I will be swapping over to 275/65/20s, and I would like your thoughts on which setting I should go with on the shocks for enough clearance and NOT having a truck that sits high in the front. Or perhaps you recommend the highest setting and adding a block in the back...I dunno...school me on this please.

Thanks Gents

 

All of the items you list are normally replaced as wear is noted. My 2002 has 160K miles and has the original tie rods and axle shafts ..... no wear noted. Normally you will change out the upper control arm and lower ball joint about 100K miles... Wheel hub/ bearing unit might also act up about that time. I normally do not change out items that are not worn or have no history of wearing out early.

 

I feel like I remember hearing that the lower control arm bolts are a PITA...is that correct?