'97 F350 Front end problems
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'97 F350 Front end problems
Just got through searching the forum, nothing I could find that really answered my questions, so here goes.
Got told today that I needed about ~$1300 in front end work. 4 ball joints, right inner tie rod (the most expensive one), front axle oil seals (very slight leak on the outside of the axles), and a “trac arm”. Almost 99% sure it’s a dana 60 front axle on a 4x4, srw, 7.3 crew cab.
The shop I went to quoted about $800 in parts and $500 in labor for 8 hours. I don’t know if this is fair or not since I’m not too knowledgeable about suspension and steering stuff. I figured that I have a few weeks/months before the problem gets real bad and I experience the “death wobble” that the mechanic told me about when the components really wear loose.
Since I really don’t have $1300 right now, or the foreseeable future, I’m thinking about doing this myself. First off I’ll buy up parts over the next few weeks. Any suggestions on aftermarket parts or should I stay with OEM? BTW, dealer was about double on part prices. I can’t find the “trac arm” listed in any online parts catalog. Is there another name for this? The more I look at the part, the more I think that it can’t really wear out, as it’s basically a steel rod, but the bushings could and probably have gone south. So I’m thinking of just replacing the bushings when I figure out what the thing is called.
Any advice on doing the work? I’ve been reading up on stuff through the alldatadiy.com website but it leaves a lot to be desired with regard to “how to”. My latest dilemma is that I know I have to take the wheel spindle off to change the ball joints, but how do I do that? Alldata says “remove the wheel spindle” and that’s it.
Recently added a couple of new shocks in the front, 2 new tires and new brakes.
Any advice/suggestions/comments/etc… would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt.
Got told today that I needed about ~$1300 in front end work. 4 ball joints, right inner tie rod (the most expensive one), front axle oil seals (very slight leak on the outside of the axles), and a “trac arm”. Almost 99% sure it’s a dana 60 front axle on a 4x4, srw, 7.3 crew cab.
The shop I went to quoted about $800 in parts and $500 in labor for 8 hours. I don’t know if this is fair or not since I’m not too knowledgeable about suspension and steering stuff. I figured that I have a few weeks/months before the problem gets real bad and I experience the “death wobble” that the mechanic told me about when the components really wear loose.
Since I really don’t have $1300 right now, or the foreseeable future, I’m thinking about doing this myself. First off I’ll buy up parts over the next few weeks. Any suggestions on aftermarket parts or should I stay with OEM? BTW, dealer was about double on part prices. I can’t find the “trac arm” listed in any online parts catalog. Is there another name for this? The more I look at the part, the more I think that it can’t really wear out, as it’s basically a steel rod, but the bushings could and probably have gone south. So I’m thinking of just replacing the bushings when I figure out what the thing is called.
Any advice on doing the work? I’ve been reading up on stuff through the alldatadiy.com website but it leaves a lot to be desired with regard to “how to”. My latest dilemma is that I know I have to take the wheel spindle off to change the ball joints, but how do I do that? Alldata says “remove the wheel spindle” and that’s it.
Recently added a couple of new shocks in the front, 2 new tires and new brakes.
Any advice/suggestions/comments/etc… would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt.
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Originally Posted by peragro
Just got through searching the forum, nothing I could find that really answered my questions, so here goes.
Got told today that I needed about ~$1300 in front end work. 4 ball joints, right inner tie rod (the most expensive one), front axle oil seals (very slight leak on the outside of the axles), and a “trac arm”. Almost 99% sure it’s a dana 60 front axle on a 4x4, srw, 7.3 crew cab.
The shop I went to quoted about $800 in parts and $500 in labor for 8 hours. I don’t know if this is fair or not since I’m not too knowledgeable about suspension and steering stuff. I figured that I have a few weeks/months before the problem gets real bad and I experience the “death wobble” that the mechanic told me about when the components really wear loose.
Since I really don’t have $1300 right now, or the foreseeable future, I’m thinking about doing this myself. First off I’ll buy up parts over the next few weeks. Any suggestions on aftermarket parts or should I stay with OEM? BTW, dealer was about double on part prices. I can’t find the “trac arm” listed in any online parts catalog. Is there another name for this? The more I look at the part, the more I think that it can’t really wear out, as it’s basically a steel rod, but the bushings could and probably have gone south. So I’m thinking of just replacing the bushings when I figure out what the thing is called.
Any advice on doing the work? I’ve been reading up on stuff through the alldatadiy.com website but it leaves a lot to be desired with regard to “how to”. My latest dilemma is that I know I have to take the wheel spindle off to change the ball joints, but how do I do that? Alldata says “remove the wheel spindle” and that’s it.
Recently added a couple of new shocks in the front, 2 new tires and new brakes.
Any advice/suggestions/comments/etc… would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt.
Got told today that I needed about ~$1300 in front end work. 4 ball joints, right inner tie rod (the most expensive one), front axle oil seals (very slight leak on the outside of the axles), and a “trac arm”. Almost 99% sure it’s a dana 60 front axle on a 4x4, srw, 7.3 crew cab.
The shop I went to quoted about $800 in parts and $500 in labor for 8 hours. I don’t know if this is fair or not since I’m not too knowledgeable about suspension and steering stuff. I figured that I have a few weeks/months before the problem gets real bad and I experience the “death wobble” that the mechanic told me about when the components really wear loose.
Since I really don’t have $1300 right now, or the foreseeable future, I’m thinking about doing this myself. First off I’ll buy up parts over the next few weeks. Any suggestions on aftermarket parts or should I stay with OEM? BTW, dealer was about double on part prices. I can’t find the “trac arm” listed in any online parts catalog. Is there another name for this? The more I look at the part, the more I think that it can’t really wear out, as it’s basically a steel rod, but the bushings could and probably have gone south. So I’m thinking of just replacing the bushings when I figure out what the thing is called.
Any advice on doing the work? I’ve been reading up on stuff through the alldatadiy.com website but it leaves a lot to be desired with regard to “how to”. My latest dilemma is that I know I have to take the wheel spindle off to change the ball joints, but how do I do that? Alldata says “remove the wheel spindle” and that’s it.
Recently added a couple of new shocks in the front, 2 new tires and new brakes.
Any advice/suggestions/comments/etc… would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt.
Go to Ebay and do a search on item #7975265396.
This is one of the auctions from World Suspension. They are out of Miami. Go to their store, and start looking for the parts you are needing. If you don't see what you need....email them. They've got good quality parts, at good prices.
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From: SHELTON, WA
powerstrokeshop dotcom is were i am getting my oem tie rods for all 4 of them 330.
and the track bar probably just needs new bushings. if you are not to confident about doing the ball joints yourself let the shop do it. i could tell my wife i am sure how to change the tie rods and track bar so i am sure you could do it. saving yourself some labor costs.
btw its a dana 60
go to your local ford dealer and have them print you out the diagram and the part #'s that go along with it and then shop online that's what i do. btw ford vs powerstroke shop dotcom on those 4 tie rods 150 dollars in savings.
and the track bar probably just needs new bushings. if you are not to confident about doing the ball joints yourself let the shop do it. i could tell my wife i am sure how to change the tie rods and track bar so i am sure you could do it. saving yourself some labor costs.
btw its a dana 60
go to your local ford dealer and have them print you out the diagram and the part #'s that go along with it and then shop online that's what i do. btw ford vs powerstroke shop dotcom on those 4 tie rods 150 dollars in savings.
Last edited by 1997F-350; Jul 16, 2005 at 12:22 PM.
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Thanks both of you for the advice. I've got an email out to world suspension and I'm paging through the powerstrokeshop site.
Does anyone know what the GVWR is on the F350 crew cab diesel with only 2 back wheels?
As far as ball joints go, I'm pretty sure I can do them. I've rebuilt an engine or two and an old torqueflite tranny and numerous carbs. I've always had some good go-bys though for all the above jobs. Do you have to remove hubs, calipers, roters, etc... to get the wheel spindles off this truck?
Does anyone know what the GVWR is on the F350 crew cab diesel with only 2 back wheels?
As far as ball joints go, I'm pretty sure I can do them. I've rebuilt an engine or two and an old torqueflite tranny and numerous carbs. I've always had some good go-bys though for all the above jobs. Do you have to remove hubs, calipers, roters, etc... to get the wheel spindles off this truck?
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Originally Posted by peragro
Thanks both of you for the advice. I've got an email out to world suspension and I'm paging through the powerstrokeshop site.
Does anyone know what the GVWR is on the F350 crew cab diesel with only 2 back wheels?
As far as ball joints go, I'm pretty sure I can do them. I've rebuilt an engine or two and an old torqueflite tranny and numerous carbs. I've always had some good go-bys though for all the above jobs. Do you have to remove hubs, calipers, roters, etc... to get the wheel spindles off this truck?
Does anyone know what the GVWR is on the F350 crew cab diesel with only 2 back wheels?
As far as ball joints go, I'm pretty sure I can do them. I've rebuilt an engine or two and an old torqueflite tranny and numerous carbs. I've always had some good go-bys though for all the above jobs. Do you have to remove hubs, calipers, roters, etc... to get the wheel spindles off this truck?
Last edited by touchofgrey; Jul 16, 2005 at 04:25 PM.
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Grey, I haven't been able to find a Chilton's or Haynes that worked for my truck. 97 seems to be the model year that that doesn't exist. I've seen them that go up to 96 and then they start again at 99. If you have ISBN numbers or some suggestions that might work I'd love to buy one. Would the older years work?
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: SHELTON, WA
ok straight from the owners manual 20,000 lbs. gcwr. and a total trailer weight is 13,400 lbs. so i guess they estimate our trucks to weigh in around 7,600 lbs???????
what exactly do you need from the manuals? i have both ford shop manuals drivetrain/powertrain and body/chassis. also i have the 120.00 ford shop manual cd. let me know what you need i can scan it or pm whatever. let me know.
fwiw
i bought both of my paper manuals on the auction site for: 1 for 15 and 1 for 20. in brand new condition. they retail about 80 each. i bet if you check out the manual section there you might find what you need.
what exactly do you need from the manuals? i have both ford shop manuals drivetrain/powertrain and body/chassis. also i have the 120.00 ford shop manual cd. let me know what you need i can scan it or pm whatever. let me know.
fwiw
i bought both of my paper manuals on the auction site for: 1 for 15 and 1 for 20. in brand new condition. they retail about 80 each. i bet if you check out the manual section there you might find what you need.
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Originally Posted by 1997F-350
ok straight from the owners manual 20,000 lbs. gcwr. and a total trailer weight is 13,400 lbs. so i guess they estimate our trucks to weigh in around 7,600 lbs???????
what exactly do you need from the manuals? i have both ford shop manuals drivetrain/powertrain and body/chassis. also i have the 120.00 ford shop manual cd. let me know what you need i can scan it or pm whatever. let me know.
fwiw
i bought both of my paper manuals on the auction site for: 1 for 15 and 1 for 20. in brand new condition. they retail about 80 each. i bet if you check out the manual section there you might find what you need.
what exactly do you need from the manuals? i have both ford shop manuals drivetrain/powertrain and body/chassis. also i have the 120.00 ford shop manual cd. let me know what you need i can scan it or pm whatever. let me know.
fwiw
i bought both of my paper manuals on the auction site for: 1 for 15 and 1 for 20. in brand new condition. they retail about 80 each. i bet if you check out the manual section there you might find what you need.
He's getting ready to overhaul the front end.
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From: SHELTON, WA
ok well it's getting late i got all but one page of ball joints to load in my photos. i will do the hub stuff sometime today. my thoughts: rip this beast all the way down and befriend a local ford mech to loan you tools or maybe you can accomplish with tools you have. i dont know i have never done this on my truck yet. but you better believe i will do it myself. or if not take them the knuckles and let them press new ones/ old in and out. a lot cheaper than letting them do the whole thing. i bet you'd be surprised what one of those guys will help you do for a case of his favorite frosty beverage. ok anyway to access the info click the uhhhhhhhhhh in my sig. self explanatory from there. once you click a pic click again to see full size and then you should have no problem reading. if you want the tir rod part numbers let me know. good luck ryan
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