Front end worn out

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Apr 8, 2026 | 06:41 PM

c0mm0

Thread Starter

Trailering

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 23

Likes: 0

Front end worn out

2012 F250 Lariat - 158k miles
I had front end rebuilt by a shop at 80k miles. Now at 158k, my front end feels loose as hell, I hear clunking and i started getting death wobble when hitting seams on overpasses on the interstate.
I took it in and got new tires today and they put it up on alignment rack to check it. The alignment wasn't too bad but holy hell the lower tie rod (forgive my terminology) is so loose, i can move it freely with 2 fingers and it makes the sound i hear when driving and feel the clunking,.
I'm on a budget and looking for a part or kit to fix the problem. I have lifetime alignment so if i know what parts to replace, i can take it in and get aligned for free.
Am i dumb in thinking i can just replace the lower tie rod ends and be ok for awhile?

Thanks

Apr 9, 2026 | 05:49 AM

c0mm0

Thread Starter

Trailering

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 23

Likes: 0

was looking at this kit: - thoughts?

https://www.1aauto.com/2011-16-ford-...10201/2012Part Details
Kit Includes:

(2) Front Sway Bar Links
(1) Front Center Link
(2) Front Pitman Arm to Steering Arm Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeves
(1) Front Idler Arm Bracket
(1) Front Idler Arm
(2) Front Lower Ball Joints
(2) Front Outer Tie Rods
(2) Front Upper Ball Joints
(2) Front Inner Tie Rods

Quantity:

15 Piece

Item Condition:
New

Apr 9, 2026 | 07:10 AM

ScholzT

6th Gear

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 6

Likes: 3

From: Friendswood, Texas

Lifetime Warranty on Alignment

I would read the fine print on your "Lifetime alignment". They usually are rendered null and void if any repair to the front end is done by anyone other than the shop that guarantees the alignment.

I learned that lesson a long time ago.

If the worn tie rod end is on the bar between the pitman arm and the center link, you can replace that yourself with out affecting the alignment. You will need to align your steering wheel to center it when traveling in a straight line.

Apr 9, 2026 | 07:38 AM

Pikachu

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 6,315

Likes: 582

From: Amarillo, TEXAS!

That kit is for a 2WD truck.

Apr 9, 2026 | 07:14 PM

c0mm0

Thread Starter

Trailering

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 23

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikachu

That kit is for a 2WD truck.

ooh youre right

how about this one https://www.detroitaxle.com/part/201..._type_name=4WD

Apr 9, 2026 | 08:06 PM

INFRNL

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 2,006

Likes: 521

From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak

I'm not sure your budget but I would be very particular of front end components American Undercar XRF 2011-2016 will have what you need.

I'm not sure of the quality of the 1AAuto or detroit axle kits

Apr 10, 2026 | 07:18 PM

ifrythings

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 1,570

Likes: 258

Quote:

Originally Posted by c0mm0

ooh youre right

how about this one https://www.detroitaxle.com/part/201..._type_name=4WD

For $180 your pretty much getting compressed painted cardboard, your going to be changing all of that within a year if it doesn’t shear off before hand. A full front end rebuild is going to be around $500-$1k for decent parts.

I just got all the parts for my 08 (pretty much the same axle) and just the axle shaft u-joints cost the same as that kit, ball joints were around $200, steering $300, seals $150 and shocks/steering stabilizer on top of that.

Don't cheap out unless you want to do it again real soon.