alignment q's
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 476
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From: Bellingham, WA
alignment q's
anyone out there replaced ball joints and drag links? went into les scwab for an alignment, they say 2 bad ball joints and drag link want 600 for 2 ball joints, drag link, bushing kit and alingment, that's parts and labor. i'm thinkin i can should do all the ball joints myself (4), maybe? and replace the drag bar but i'm wondering if this is something i can do in such a manner without causing an issue with driving i know i'll have to go get an alignment after if i did the work, but does anyone suggest that i do this job on my own instead of takin it in? i guess what i'm asking is...is it a huge pain in the *** for some reason i can't see?? by the way i have a 1997 F350 crew cab manual diesel, thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 10
From: San Ramon Ca.
Thats a good deal! If it were me I'd consider letting them do it. Around here most shops would charge double that. Do as much as you can. It's only a matter of time before the others wear out. Dana 60 or 2wd?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 476
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From: Bellingham, WA
it's 4wd that price is for only two ball joints!! i was saying i would do all 4 if i did it, but i'm always leary letting shops do all the work, but i'm a little uncertain with this, cause i've never done it....but never do it never learn? is it a big job to that kind of thing?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 10
From: San Ramon Ca.
Ball joint's aren't real hard to change. But is can be physically challenging and time consuming. Best to rent a press from a parts store or maybe borrow one from a friend. Assemble all your parts and go for it. You will need a pickle fork or maybe if you rent a puller they will have the adaptors for the tie rod ends and center / drag link. I still think thats a good price for the work being done. It can't cost much more to all four. That's maybe $300 or more just for you to buy the parts, rent the tools and such. Plus you still have to pay for the alignment after your done! I paid 600 just for a not so good alignment (but I made them do it again for free cause they screw it up the first time).
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
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From: MICHIGAN
Paying to have it done probably won't get everything you should or need to fix once you're in there. Or maybe they will...that's when you get sticker shock....
It will take 4-6 hours if you do everything listed below.
Do it yourself if you have a little patience and time...the special tools can be rented at most mega-auto part stores...for free!
I would replace the tie-rod ends & the other steering link too... then all the steering will be new......use hi-quality parts.....Moog is my choice. $5-600 just for the steering parts.
4x4 only:
While you in there...the hubs should be serviced, needle bearings and a seal...another $50-80.
Then the u-joints and dust shield on the front axles.....another $50-80
The axle seals, $50-60, may get damaged just from removing and installing the axles. This can be a tricky repair....the ring gear needs to come out...the seals are inside the pumpkin. NOTE: Be sure to clean out the axle tubes too, they are full of crap that gets pushed into the pumpkin during the axle installation.
It will take 4-6 hours if you do everything listed below.
Do it yourself if you have a little patience and time...the special tools can be rented at most mega-auto part stores...for free!
I would replace the tie-rod ends & the other steering link too... then all the steering will be new......use hi-quality parts.....Moog is my choice. $5-600 just for the steering parts.
4x4 only:
While you in there...the hubs should be serviced, needle bearings and a seal...another $50-80.
Then the u-joints and dust shield on the front axles.....another $50-80
The axle seals, $50-60, may get damaged just from removing and installing the axles. This can be a tricky repair....the ring gear needs to come out...the seals are inside the pumpkin. NOTE: Be sure to clean out the axle tubes too, they are full of crap that gets pushed into the pumpkin during the axle installation.
