Front end and steering work

[smwalser]

After close inspection I have found that my lower ball joint boots are torn and I have a power steering fluid leak out of the passenger side of the steering rack. Since I have to take most of the front end loose to change out the lower ball joints and get to the rack should I go ahead and do upper ball joints and inner/outer tie rod ends? Or are those various parts separate enough to not fool with it. This would be my first time doing this type of work and need some opinions. Thanks,

 

[iSlacker816]

Depends on when the rest of the work was done. If you don't know and can afford it, do it while its apart. Saves you from having to tear it down again and you'll know the life expectancy of them from that point. That way you don't do the work and a month down the road you need somethin else.

 

[WhiteExpress]

If you're going into all that mess, I'd advise you buy a reman Rack n Pinon, replace all the balljoints and maybe get some poly control arm bushings while you're at it. Throw some new shocks on it too!

Being a 2005, I'm sure you've got near or more than 100k on em, and you'll have a notable improvement in ride / handling.

 

[smwalser]

Yeah I guess I left that off. It's got 140k miles on it.

 

[smwalser]

So I'm curious, what's your recommendation for a good shock for towing? I have a bass boat that I pull regularly.

 

[BigSloth]

Upper ball joints are not necessary to remove to do the lowers, so that's all up to your willingness to do it.

Inner tie rod ends come installed on the new/reman rack. Outer tie rod ends have to be removed from the inners to change the rack, so its wise to go ahead and replace them at the same time.

Monroe reflexes or gas magnums seem to be shocks that do very well in these applications.