Front Steering and Suspension
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 61
Likes: 26
Front Steering and Suspension
I have a 1997 F150 4X4 Super Cap XLT w/ 94,000 miles. I have squeaking in my steering and the beginnings of a vibration at highway speeds. I'm pretty certain I need to replace the pitman arm and tie rods. I also need new tires but I'm waiting until the steering components are replaced.
I am looking for recommendations:
Ford parts or after market?
Do-it-yourself level of difficulty (1 easy/10 hard) and time spent? I usually give disc brakes a 2. I went to the ford parts cheap site and it doesn't look like you can order a tie rod replacement package...bunch of individual parts. I realize I will need to go out in town for the alignment. It doesn't look that hard in the shop manual but I have been fooled before.
Ford service or go out in town?
Thanks ahead of time.
Jeff
I am looking for recommendations:
Ford parts or after market?
Do-it-yourself level of difficulty (1 easy/10 hard) and time spent? I usually give disc brakes a 2. I went to the ford parts cheap site and it doesn't look like you can order a tie rod replacement package...bunch of individual parts. I realize I will need to go out in town for the alignment. It doesn't look that hard in the shop manual but I have been fooled before.
Ford service or go out in town?
Thanks ahead of time.
Jeff
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
You'll need a puller for the pitman arm. A parts store may have one that you could rent.
Replacing the tie rod ends is quite easy. Make sure you measure the length of each tie rod before you start so you can get the new ones close enough to take it for an alignment.
Replacing the tie rod ends is quite easy. Make sure you measure the length of each tie rod before you start so you can get the new ones close enough to take it for an alignment.
