Just ordered next weekend's project... Suspension and steering

[kdryan]

Ok, so this is my third weekend project coming up. Since getting this thing I am learning what a real money pit they can be... Since the purpose here is to have a decent winter truck and do teach my son some things about working on a vehicle, I still consider it a good investment though.

First was general tuneup stuff and cleaning. Air filter, oil change, wires, cap, rotor, etc...

This weekend was brake pads, calipers, wheel bearings for the front...



Next weekend is the biggie. Suspension and steering. I just ordered the parts from Ebay and they should be here by Saturday. Moog numbers, so I am reasonably confident of getting the right parts. I picked up inner and out tie rods and adjusting sleeves, upper and lower ball joints. I am hoping this will solve my steering slop problem, but I'm getting a feeling it's the steering column issue I keep hearing about. I feel certain in my ability to do all of this but would appreciate any tips and tricks you would care to offer...

The victim is below.

 

[MagSport]

Ok, so this is my third weekend project coming up. Since getting this thing I am learning what a real money pit they can be... Since the purpose here is to have a decent winter truck and do teach my son some things about working on a vehicle, I still consider it a good investment though.

First was general tuneup stuff and cleaning. Air filter, oil change, wires, cap, rotor, etc...

This weekend was brake pads, calipers, wheel bearings for the front...



Next weekend is the biggie. Suspension and steering. I just ordered the parts from Ebay and they should be here by Saturday. Moog numbers, so I am reasonably confident of getting the right parts. I picked up inner and out tie rods and adjusting sleeves, upper and lower ball joints. I am hoping this will solve my steering slop problem, but I'm getting a feeling it's the steering column issue I keep hearing about. I feel certain in my ability to do all of this but would appreciate any tips and tricks you would care to offer...

The victim is below.

Victim is right if you're using MOOG parts. Hopefully it will turn out better for you than for others.

 

[kdryan]

Victim is right if you're using MOOG parts. Hopefully it will turn out better for you than for others.

Not Moog parts, just Moog numbers for reference. Can't say what I ordered is much better though.

 

[DodgeTx]

those parts are fairly easy to change out just do one part at a time, dont want to have it all apart and then have your alignment way off.

just did my tie rods and ball joints a few weekends ago looks like a clean truck!

 

[kdryan]

Did right side tie rods yesterday and will do the other side today. Ball joints should be here Monday...

 

[tommyboi87]

Did you check the idler/pitman arm for any play? Those were the culprit for my steering slack

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[kdryan]

So far I have replaced the Pitman arm, inner tie rods, outer tie rods, adjusting sleeves, right side upper and lower ball joints. I have left to do the shocks and left side ball joints. I am so ready for this project to be over with it's not even funny.

 

[tommyboi87]

I already know your pain man. I've replaced every piece you could think of on my front suspension. If you're still having steering slack after all that, there's always the possibility of some slack in the steering gear.

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[BlackMagnum2000]

Steering gear can definitely be a culprit. Along with steering column bushing. Easy way to check for such this is one, try wiggling your steering shaft. If it moves (not rotates but moves side to side/up and down) then you need a new bushing. The rock solid ram steering fix is pretty much the best way to go. You can also look to see what is moving. You can say move your steering wheel in the area that it has slack (or have someone move it) and watch your front end. See what's moving and what isn't. I won't be surprised if you see your steering shaft turn, but no movement after your steering gearbox. If you do end up having to get a steering box, don't get a cheap one. Don't get some reman steering box from a parts store like I did. Many people will probably suggest a Red Head steering box. That's what I plan on doing soon

 

[kdryan]

Spent 15 minutes trying to get a lower ball joint out only to realize I was pushing it in. This is why I'm not a crew chief at Daytona...

I did get it out though.

 

[BlackMagnum2000]

Spent 15 minutes trying to get a lower ball joint out only to realize I was pushing it in. This is why I'm not a crew chief at Daytona...

I did get it out though.

Hey at least it was only fifteen minutes, in my less experienced days years ago I was at it for quite a few hours doing the same thing

 

[tommyboi87]

I had a "mechanic" buddy of mine helping me last time I did mine and he was doing the same thing lol

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