HELP--Cracked front axle pivot bracket

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May 28, 2002 | 09:57 PM

mikej

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HELP--Cracked front axle pivot bracket

I was checking for the culprit to my loose steering and front-end looseness when I came upon one of the bolts holding the driver's side axle pivot bracket to the crossmember that was loose. Upon closer inspection I found that just above that was a crack that ran from the rear of the truck side of the bracket around the upper bolt then towards the engine. It does appear that the crack is only in the pivot bracket and to be totally honest I cannot say that it has not been that way for a while. I did tighten the loose bolt and all the other bolts are tight as well. My questions are, would anybody other than myself be willing to drive the truck this way for another couple of days and two how hard is it going to be to replace this bracket in my driveway. If I am correct in my thoughts I think that one of the front-end alignments are made at this bracket. Any help would be appreciated. As usual thanks in advance guys.

Have added a couple of pics of this cracked bracket to my gallery...

Mike

93' F-150 Ext Cab 5.0L E4OD, MSD, K&N, 31x10.50's

May 29, 2002 | 12:34 AM

trixie

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HELP--Cracked front axle pivot bracket

Dunno how hard it'll be to replace it, but I can tell you I'd be damn scared to drive it like that...fearing pot holes and such...

May 29, 2002 | 08:58 AM

orange peel

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Joined: Nov 2001

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From: Raleigh, NC

HELP--Cracked front axle pivot bracket

replacing that bracket is pretty easy. you just have to unbolt it, it might have a rivet or two in it also, just hit those with an angle grinder, and then bolt up the new one. i would go take it to have the alignment checked when your done just incase.

May 29, 2002 | 12:55 PM

Yeti

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: IN FRONT OF YOU

HELP--Cracked front axle pivot bracket

Since you need to replace the bracket anyhow ,why not stick in that lift you allways wanted!!!

May 29, 2002 | 02:55 PM

mikej

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HELP--Cracked front axle pivot bracket

Thanks for the replys..I picked up a new bracket today and hope to not have too much trouble from the bolts this evening to get it replaced. I didn't hink from looking at it that it would be too hard, just wanted to make sure that there was nothing more than common sense and elbow grease that I needed to know in advance.

As far as the lift....I could get the new OEM bracket for a lot cheaper than a lift today..

Mike

93' F-150 Ext Cab 5.0L E4OD, MSD, K&N, 31x10.50's

May 29, 2002 | 06:02 PM

AZ4x4f150

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Joined: Jul 2001

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From: Glendale USA

HELP--Cracked front axle pivot bracket

while you are down there I would replace the pivot bushings urethane preferably but some stock rubber replacements will do also

May 31, 2002 | 11:13 AM

mikej

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Joined: Dec 2000

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HELP--Cracked front axle pivot bracket

Thanks to all that replied. I did the job in about 2 hours the other night, part of which time was stopping every now and again to run in the house and check on my 15 mth old twins to make sure they were still asleep...my wife was at the store. The hardest part was get the bolt through the beam loose, as I do not have air tools, but in all honesty it wasn't as bad as I expected. Took a ratchet and a "cheater" pipe to get it turning. Anyway thanks again to all.

Mike

93' F-150 Ext Cab 5.0L E4OD, MSD, K&N, 31x10.50's