While you're down there... (Ball Joint Related)
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 365
Likes: 4
From: Round Rock, TX
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!
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!
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
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.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 904
Likes: 0
From: PHOENIX
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.
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.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 4
From: Rogersville, TN
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.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 365
Likes: 4
From: Round Rock, TX
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.
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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I found a energy suspension kit on Amazon for about $35 for the sway bar bushings.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 2
From: CA
I'm on the same boat... x2
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 2
From: Az
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 8
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!
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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