Track Bar Ball Joint Replacement
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 24
From: Houston
Track Bar Ball Joint Replacement
Is there an upgrade track bar ball joint replacement that I should look into before I order? After 155k miles mine is starting to show some looseness. I plan on replacing it soon, but wanted to see what everybody is using as a replacement. I figure 155k miles out of the stock one isn't bad. Especially since I have been leveled or lifted and on 37's for 120k of that. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 24
From: Houston
@DesertSmoker I should have mentioned I currently have the Carli track bar. Really just looking for the balljoint.
@nydiver I will check the Mevotech out. Thanks for the suggestion.
@nydiver I will check the Mevotech out. Thanks for the suggestion.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 162
Likes: 8
From: CT
I'm way overdue for a front end rebuild with a 165k on the stockers, there's a few inches of free play before the wheels start to turn.
If I look down at the speedo for half a second, that's enough time for the truck to be wildly veering off where I don't want it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 162
Likes: 8
From: CT
I figure that long is a decent time trial.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 661
Likes: 186
From: Lakeland, MN
They've been fine for me, but they only have about 5k on them.
The slop in the steering, tie rods or is the box wearing out? You can adjust the worm in the box to tighten up the steering.
The slop in the steering, tie rods or is the box wearing out? You can adjust the worm in the box to tighten up the steering.
Trending Topics
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 162
Likes: 8
From: CT
I didn't know you could adjust the worm, I'll have to give that a go! I'm still relatively new to Ford tech after having only old rear wheel drive Chevys for decades.
So far I haven't been able to jack it up yet (don't have anything stout enough to raise it with confidence) & test each side, but crawling under everything looks pretty crusty & worn.
Not too sure how grass clippings got stuffed in all the boots but it's packed into nearly everything.
When I swapped the blower motor it looked to be the cause of failure, clippings were jammed into motor housing as well as the area surrounding wheel, so much to the point that the motor heated enough to melt the plastic which then sheared by the shaft.
To get the 4x4 selector lever moving its full range I had to clear away the packed in clippings and dust out of the works. Whenever I get around to naming the truck it very well may be "the grim mulcher".
So far I haven't been able to jack it up yet (don't have anything stout enough to raise it with confidence) & test each side, but crawling under everything looks pretty crusty & worn.
Not too sure how grass clippings got stuffed in all the boots but it's packed into nearly everything.
When I swapped the blower motor it looked to be the cause of failure, clippings were jammed into motor housing as well as the area surrounding wheel, so much to the point that the motor heated enough to melt the plastic which then sheared by the shaft.
To get the 4x4 selector lever moving its full range I had to clear away the packed in clippings and dust out of the works. Whenever I get around to naming the truck it very well may be "the grim mulcher".
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 661
Likes: 186
From: Lakeland, MN
On top of the box is a nut and a hex screw, put a wrench on the nut and a allen wrench in the hex, hold the allen in place while you loosen the nut a few turns, turn the allen to tighten but just until you feel resistance (the worm fully seated in the spur), back up 1/4 to 1/2 a turn on the hex, hold the allen and tighten the nut to jam the hex screw. I wouldn't suggest doing this more than once before you replace the box.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post