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While you're down there... (Ball Joint Related)

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Old Dec 2, 2009 | 02:40 PM
  #1  
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While you're down there... (Ball Joint Related)

Hey guys,

In the them of my many ball joint related posts as of late I was wondering... hypothetically if you were going to tear down your truck at 100k to replace ball joints and money wasn't a huge concern what would you replace while you had it apart?

I'm already planning on replacing the following:
Upper and Lower Ball Joints (Moog)
Hubs/Bearings (Motorcraft)
Axle Seals (Motorcraft)
Wheel Studs (Motorcraft)
Sway-Bar bushings (Energy Suspension)

I'm debating if I even need to bother with the u-joints as I live in Texas and they aren't rusted or frozen and they don't spin unless you're in 4 wheel drive (I'm hardly ever in 4wd)

I'm also debating replacing the tie-rod ends and drag links? Any benefit to this or those ever really go bad? If so can someone give me a part number for them?

Any advise or tips are appreciated. I've done LOTS of reading about this and searched this message board for several hours and I'm just trying to get a final total of everything before I pull the trigger on ordering parts.

Thanks!
 
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Old Dec 2, 2009 | 02:43 PM
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I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Tie rods do go bad, but with 100k yours should be fine. One thing I would consider replacing though is the rubber vac hose going from the frame to the knuckle for the ESOF hubs.
 
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Old Dec 2, 2009 | 02:53 PM
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What are parts going to be costing you and where have you found them to be cheapest?
I will be doing my ball joints soon and probably the bearings too at the same time.
I have 82k on the truck with 37" tires and the steering doesn't seem to be as tight as when it was new.
 
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Old Dec 2, 2009 | 03:09 PM
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From: Rogersville, TN
Originally Posted by superduty4x4
I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Tie rods do go bad, but with 100k yours should be fine.
X2. I wouldn't replace something unless it was broken or showing signs of wear. While you have the all that stuff out it would be a good time to inspect everything, repack your wheel bearings, clean and lube your hubs, etc.
 
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Old Dec 2, 2009 | 03:13 PM
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From: Round Rock, TX
Originally Posted by Super Steve
What are parts going to be costing you and where have you found them to be cheapest?
I will be doing my ball joints soon and probably the bearings too at the same time.
I have 82k on the truck with 37" tires and the steering doesn't seem to be as tight as when it was new.
Ball Joints, Axle seals, hubs/bearings all from one location:
Your Premiere Source for Ford Truck Parts and Accessories

I found a energy suspension kit on Amazon for about $35 for the sway bar bushings.
 
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Old Dec 2, 2009 | 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by superduty4x4
I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Tie rods do go bad, but with 100k yours should be fine. One thing I would consider replacing though is the rubber vac hose going from the frame to the knuckle for the ESOF hubs.
I'm on the same boat... x2
 
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Old Dec 2, 2009 | 09:22 PM
  #7  
SGnAZ's Avatar
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From: Az
Here's something to consider
F250 F350 Super Duty 4x4 Tie rod kit 99 00 01 02 03 04:eBay Motors (item 150352178876 end time Dec-12-09 10:49:30 PST)
 
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Old Dec 2, 2009 | 10:32 PM
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From: WV
I'm usually on the "if it ain't broke..." band wagon, but for me, it felt like an awful long ways in there to not replace the u-joints, so I did even though they seemed ok.

Of course, the salty WV winters are a little rougher on things than some places so maybe I would reconsider if I was in TX.

Good luck!
 
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