71 Ford Needs Front End Work
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Southern New Mexico
71 Ford Needs Front End Work
Well, not long ago, went to the local shop to get a front end alignment and found out that I need a lot of work in order for them to even do an alignment on my truck.
I'm not exactly sure all of the work that needs to be done, but I'm sure I'm going to need new bushings among other things. There is a local community college where I could get the work done to save some bucks, but my other option is to do the work myself using the Beale AFB auto shop which has tools and there are mechanics there that could possibly give me advice.
I've never done anything like this before with replacing bushings, etc. What what you guys recommend, and as far as parts, where is the best place to get them?
Thanks....
I'm not exactly sure all of the work that needs to be done, but I'm sure I'm going to need new bushings among other things. There is a local community college where I could get the work done to save some bucks, but my other option is to do the work myself using the Beale AFB auto shop which has tools and there are mechanics there that could possibly give me advice.
I've never done anything like this before with replacing bushings, etc. What what you guys recommend, and as far as parts, where is the best place to get them?
Thanks....
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 1
From: Oakdale,Ca.
Kinda tough to give advice w/o knowing what you need to have done, I just (about 4-6 weekes ago) did RA and I beam bushing on a friends '68-should be the same as yours-and can help you with advice from there if need be.
My friend brought me over parts from NAPA, I did have to reem the inner RA bushings to make them fit, other than that no issues.
My friend brought me over parts from NAPA, I did have to reem the inner RA bushings to make them fit, other than that no issues.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Southern New Mexico
I'm going to see if I can get an idea what needs to be done. I'm sorta new to the area and would like to avoid having to fork out a bunch of dough to a shop that I really don't know very well. I'm willing to do the work myself, and can probably do so on base since I have access to tools. I'll keep you posted on how things go.....thanks...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,884
Likes: 180
From: Morgan Hill, CA
Our old 71 F250 2 WD had king pins in the front that seized at one point. It took everything the press at the automotive machine shop could give to get em out. Steered like new after that.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,341
Likes: 5
From: Sacramento
I did almost all of my bushings over the past few months. It's not all that bad. I use Energy suspension for mine. Go for the shop at Beale, and do it all yourself. The aftermarket stuff does not cost much more than standard rubber replacements. Most local parts stores can get all you need.
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Mike, the radius arm bushings are pretty easy, you should have no problem especially if you have a shop to work in and some mechanics to give you advice. If you needs new kingpins, that's a bit more involved and as Andy mentioned, requires a teardown of the entire front suspension and as Andy mentioned, some work needs to be done by a machine shop.
On a different note, I have the other needed piece for your throttle linkage and have carrying it around in my toolbox, just keep forgetting to mention it to you. Perhaps we can hook up at some point and slap it on when I'm in Woodland, just seems like a long way for you to go for that one little piece. Maybe I can look at your front end at the same time and get a better idea of what you're up against.
On a different note, I have the other needed piece for your throttle linkage and have carrying it around in my toolbox, just keep forgetting to mention it to you. Perhaps we can hook up at some point and slap it on when I'm in Woodland, just seems like a long way for you to go for that one little piece. Maybe I can look at your front end at the same time and get a better idea of what you're up against.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Southern New Mexico
Dan, according to the mechanic (he has a 70 F100), I'm gonna need new kingpins. Basically, have to tear everything apart. He didn't mention anything about needing machine work. I'm not sure if I can leave my truck at the Beale auto shop overnight. Will have to check about that. Also need a new power steering box he said.....springs, shocks, you name it.....
Maybe I missed understanding correctly, but do I have to do everything all at once or can I do a little at a time. From what nevrenuthp said, looks like I can do bushings a little at a time. Where do I get Energy suspension? Mechanic said I should get OEM parts, but I gather that the Energy suspension is a better product. Sorry for my ignorance about these things.
Dan, thanks for picking up the throttle linkage. Once I get the front end squared away, I'll meet up with you again. I don't want to travel very far because my front tires are already wearing incorrectly.
Gotta get this fixed as soon as I can. Thanks guys for the responses and answering my questions.....
Maybe I missed understanding correctly, but do I have to do everything all at once or can I do a little at a time. From what nevrenuthp said, looks like I can do bushings a little at a time. Where do I get Energy suspension? Mechanic said I should get OEM parts, but I gather that the Energy suspension is a better product. Sorry for my ignorance about these things.
Dan, thanks for picking up the throttle linkage. Once I get the front end squared away, I'll meet up with you again. I don't want to travel very far because my front tires are already wearing incorrectly.
Gotta get this fixed as soon as I can. Thanks guys for the responses and answering my questions.....
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ducati07
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
2
Jul 4, 2014 06:24 PM
Thumper19
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Oct 12, 2011 06:33 AM
My Ford Truck
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Sep 11, 2003 11:00 AM
