Front end suspension ???'s
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: Green Cove Springs,FL
Front end suspension ???'s
I think its time to replace a lot of the stuff in my front end. The problem is I don't know what anything is not much for technical terms. I know I need new ball joints, what else needs to be ordered for that. What else is in the front that would probably need replaced at 200k? My steering wheel moves about 3 inches each direction before it does anything what needs to be done to fix that. I pretty much want it to be brand new when I am done. Also one more question where can I get traction/ladder bars for a half *** decent price? Thanks guys.
Master of Strokes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,808
Likes: 25
From: CA
I would do a Sway Bar Bushing Set
Riffraff Diesel: Sway Bar Bushings
And slso tighen up your steering box to get rid of the slack you have in your wheel.
Riffraff Diesel: Sway Bar Bushings
And slso tighen up your steering box to get rid of the slack you have in your wheel.
of American machinists
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 0
From: NORTH IDAHO
You might also consider replacing the steering box at 200K
Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears Home
New steering box 350-375
Ball joint kit 300-350
Tie rod ends and drag link 200-250
Sway bar kit 50
alignment 50-60
U joints 100
misc 40
If you did every bit of labor you would be at about 1200 for just parts
Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears Home
New steering box 350-375
Ball joint kit 300-350
Tie rod ends and drag link 200-250
Sway bar kit 50
alignment 50-60
U joints 100
misc 40
If you did every bit of labor you would be at about 1200 for just parts
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: Green Cove Springs,FL
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 5
From: West Tx
I just did ball joints and all of the steering linkages for right at $1,000 installed my self. The drag link, tie rod ends, and main assembly are VERY expensive for what they are, and to top it off, they aren't even painted. The linkages are all Ford parts, not aftermarket. Factory tie rods and drag link were still good, but the dust boots were torn, so I replaced them all thinking the ball/socket was loose.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: Green Cove Springs,FL
Yeah just found the ball joint kit for 303 and the tie rod ends for around 200 total. My ball joint seals aren't torn or anything and they are greasable don't even know for sure if they need changed. But my tie rod ends are torn for sure.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 7
From: Anchorage, AK
Where are you buying all this stuff? I will be very interested in how this goes for you since I am looking to do this myself this summer. My steering is way off and I let Ford replace my steering box but it didn't do anything.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: Green Cove Springs,FL
The truck just seems really sloppy in the front end and I noticed some of the boots are torn. I don't know anything about ball joints I had a shop tell me they were bad but I don't know how to check them. I know they have been changed sometime cause they are greasable so who knows if they are actually bad. I also think that my front hubs just need to be redone or order new ones they making some pretty awful sounds in 4wheel. Also the truck just has a lot of miles on it and there is a lot of weight in the front end.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 5
From: West Tx
Oh, you are just replacing the tie rod ends only? I replaced all my linkages since then I will have all new front end steering components. I wasn't able to get my tie rod ends to unscrew anyway, and had all new parts so I just threw them in the bed. As far as checking the ball joints, jack the front end off the gound, take a tire iron, or long pipe or something and put it below the tire and pry up while looking at the ball joints. There should be no movement. Also, you can try to move the tire and see if there is any deflection. If there is deflection of the wheel but no ball joint movement, your hub may be shot. I got my ball joints at powerstroke shop .com and rods/linkages at my local dealer.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 5
From: West Tx
Does your suspension clunk when driving over rough roads? My pass. lower ball joint was actually not tightened right so the nut and stud were turning and wore out the inverted cone contact surfaces. If you do the ball joints yourself, make sure you follow the tightening procedure exactly, or you will have loose ball joints and clunking.