So I am near 100k miles and decided to do some repairs rather than spend the $1500 the shop quoted me to do them. I replaced all four shocks today, the only problem was the shock to frame bolts on the rear axle. Generous amounts of WD40 in combination with skin from my knuckles got them off, and after that it was a breeze.

I also got a new Idler Arm from the local Ford dealer and was going to put that on. However, when I picked it up, the guy said there are two bolt patterns, 3-1/2" and 2-1/2" for a 2000 F150 SC 4x4 with the 4.6, but that he only carries the 3-1/2". Since I didn't want to remove my skidplate and drop to the ground on hot asphalt, I took it home and today swore loudly as soon as I got my skidplate off. Why are there two bolt patterns for the same model/engine? I paid $82, but will get that back and probably pick up a MOOG from Kragen for $102 since when the control arms go, I will replace them with ones that have removeable ball joints. Plug replacement is tomorrow. I was looking for grease points under the chassis but didn't see any. Where do I find the fittings to grease body bushings, etc. Or are there none. Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

from my understanding there are no grease fittings for our ball joints :P retarted engineering but whatever... i just replaced the dust boots and filled em full of grease, i'll probably have to keep doing that every so often till the ball joint sockets wear out (meaning the control arms) and then i'll replace the units with ..i guess Moog ones if they have zerg fittings