Hi guys,

Got new tires on my 2000 RWD 6.8l Excursion today. The shop recommended I replace both front radius arm bushings and steering gearbox. They said the gear box is currently leaking. Of course they want $1000 to do this so I'm going to try to address this myself.

Radius arm bushings: Looks like it might be a difficult job? Have any of you guys done this and give me some advice? I've done ball joints before, and I found using a press kit from AutoZone quite a pain. Is it similar in difficulty to that? Would it end up being easier to replace the entire arm, and is that affordable to do? (All I'm seeing is the Landyot rods which are expensive and involve welding which is out of my league).

Steering gear box: I've been reading that a lot of people like to upgrade to Red Head to correct wander. I don't find the wander I currently have to be too big of a deal at the moment. I'm thinking of maybe putting in some stuff to seal up the leak for now - LUCAS stop leak?

 

Steering nomenclature isn't my strong suit, so forgive my basic question, but do you mean the sway bar end links that attach the sway bar to the frame of the truck?

If yes, just get some doreman replacements from RockAuto (something like $20 bucks each) and bolt them on. I just did this with my Ex.

I'd just get a Ford replacement from Tasca or Tousely Ford (whomever is cheaper with their online discount) and follow the instructions in the tech folder and swap out the boxes.

Stewart

 

Steward, RWD Ex uses a radius arm.

Deagle

Bushings are releatively easy to change if you have access to a ball joint press. I did my father in laws in my driveway. Considerably easier and less involved then doing ball joints. . jack stand are required, air impact will make the job easier. I recall it took maybe 2 hours or so.

The RWD Ex does not have the wander problem of the 4x4 version because of how caster is affected when the suspension compresses. Due to the geometry created by the radius arm the RWD actually tracks straighter as the suspension sags because more caster is created when the wheel travels in an upward arc.

Fwiw... landyots are a gimmick and will do nothing to resolve your worn out bushings.

Stop leak, if your leak is from a seal then it might slow it down for a little while but it isn't going to "fix" it.

 

Whoops.....forgot the pic for Stew

#3 is the radius arm.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

So I'll go ahead and tackle the bushings myself then. Could I pretty much follow this guide?: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...hronology.html

Seems like I can just get an air chisel, and punch to make the job go more smoothly.

As far as the steering box, I'll look into just replacing it then.

 

Use a blunt tip in the air hammer and not a chisel tip. I would still use a press to reienstall the new ones. But hey, that's just me.