Front End Damage
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 620
Likes: 0
From: Langley, BC, Canada
Front End Damage
Well on saturday i had my truck on the hoist to change the tires and check some stuff in the front end since ive been getting some odd clunk sounds coming from up front. So i started by grabbing the tire and trying to move them. And the first thing i noticed is i have a very little bit of play in the bottom ball joint on the drivers side....and a huge amount of play in the upper ball joint on the passenger side. I also have alot of play in the part of the drag link that connects to the pitman arm...
So next weekend im going to be replacing all the ball joints in the front end and that part that connects to the pitman arm. But i guess i have to replace the whole drag link since it is all on piece from the pitman arm to tie rods right?
Is there anything else i should check or replace when doing the ball joints since im going to be under there working anyway?
And the other thing i noticed is my u joint where the drive shaft connects to the rear axle is shot. Should i just replace that u joint or do them all while im under there?.
Thanks
So next weekend im going to be replacing all the ball joints in the front end and that part that connects to the pitman arm. But i guess i have to replace the whole drag link since it is all on piece from the pitman arm to tie rods right?
Is there anything else i should check or replace when doing the ball joints since im going to be under there working anyway?
And the other thing i noticed is my u joint where the drive shaft connects to the rear axle is shot. Should i just replace that u joint or do them all while im under there?.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Denair, CA
I'd grease the u-joints that are serviceable and replace the bad one but that's just me. You might try tightening up the steering box if you still have slop in the steering wheel after the ball joints and tie rods.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
I would advise you do both upper and lower balljoints both sides, then do the drag link and any other parts like tie rod ends etc all in one shot ... reason your going to need an alignment........ better to have it in #1 condition. Check the front bearings for slop too....... As for the ujoints etc do them all at one time........ please mark all the driveshaft parts before removal to facilitate correct installation and original shaft alignments......
You should also check the front spring bushings..... FR and RR......they are prone to flattening and the spring hits the bracket under your feet..... This will help with the alignment also.....if needed a re arch on the springs may even be required..... should have about 1 1/2" min distance from spring to bump stop.
You should also check the front spring bushings..... FR and RR......they are prone to flattening and the spring hits the bracket under your feet..... This will help with the alignment also.....if needed a re arch on the springs may even be required..... should have about 1 1/2" min distance from spring to bump stop.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Morgantown, Wv
You may want to take a trip to the bank first, the drag link will probably be over $100.00. Big difference in price at NAPA and Autozone,etc. You may want to take the old drag link with you, there was some confusion about the threads on my 94. Maybe just that year. good luck, John
