Suspension Troubles

[BigBlue05]

Just took my truck into the shop because I had a bad ball joint. Well after their vehicle inspection the repairs totaled over $3000. For new ball joints on both sides (even though only one is bad). 2 new o2 sensors (even though only one is bad). And new control arms on both sides (even though only one is bad). Needles to say they didn't fix my truck. But I am going to fix it myself. My question is what is a good company that sells those suspension parts. Without charging an arm and a leg. Also any tips on how to make the job easier is appreciated.

 

[usaf2006]

Check around for Moog suspension parts. Not sure on a good brand for O2 sensors. Rockauto has pretty good prices on just about everything.

 

[blackbeautyhemi]

Yea moog is a good choice. I have napa gold upper balljoints and they're pretty nice plus a lifetime warranty.

 

[SilverStreak88]

I'm running MOOG without issue, I would demand money back on labor from that shop as well.

 

[BigBlue05]

Ohh trust me the only thing they got from me was the 100 for the inspection and engine diagnostics.

 

[Lil_Ram]

I like my mevotechs I'm running


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[dmuney]

For your o2 sensors just go with OE had many problems with aftermarket on 03 & up Chrysler/Dodge and those prices sound like triple the price of what it should cost


05 2500 4dr shortbed 4" lift on 35's, 4" straight pipe, Afe intake

 

[Bullitt5339]

If it was my truck, I'd go ahead and buy the full front end kit from rockauto. There's no sense trying to be as cheap as possible with it since you're going to have to get it aligned afterwards anyway. It's just easier to knock it all out at once and enjoy knowing you're not going to have any issues for years.

For around $350, it comes with:

2 outer tie rods
2 inner tie rods
2 upper control arms
2 lower control arms

 

[BigBlue05]

If it was my truck, I'd go ahead and buy the full front end kit from rockauto. There's no sense trying to be as cheap as possible with it since you're going to have to get it aligned afterwards anyway. It's just easier to knock it all out at once and enjoy knowing you're not going to have any issues for years.

For around $350, it comes with:

2 outer tie rods
2 inner tie rods
2 upper control arms
2 lower control arms

Just making sure because i couldnt see them. But does that kit come with lower ball joints

 

[blackbeautyhemi]

Not sure on these specific ones but the mopar lower control arms I got they came with the lower ball joints in them.

 

[Ram'em]

I just had my lower control arms replaced with Moog. Dealer wanted $500 per lower control arm, I said screw that. Bought Moog for $120 each!!

 

[blackbeautyhemi]

I just had my lower control arms replaced with Moog. Dealer wanted $500 per lower control arm, I said screw that. Bought Moog for $120 each!!

Lol your dealer is a joke, I'm pretty sure my mopar lower control arms with ball joints and bushings were $140 or $160 a piece. They were only a few more bucks than just the bushings and ball joints themselves for in my old control arms (mopar also) so that's why I went with it instead of pressing in bushings.

 

[BigBlue05]

I could be way off but it looks like the control arms already come with the ball joints pressed in. Also the shop said I needed extended shocks because the one I have are bottoming out the alignment. Does this sound right? And if so what is a good company to hit them from? I've heard of ranchero and bilstiens being pretty good, but would like some more opinions.

 

[BigBlue05]

Sounds like my shop. They also said it would take four hours to replace one upper control arm. Lol. I'm not a mechanic but that sounded a little ridiculous.

 

[blackbeautyhemi]

Sounds like my shop. They also said it would take four hours to replace one upper control arm. Lol. I'm not a mechanic but that sounded a little ridiculous.

Lol yea you could have both done and your truck washed and waxed in the time it takes them to do one. Bilsteins are probably the best bang for your buck shock wise. Good price, good ride and good warranty.

 

[Bullitt5339]

Just making sure because i couldnt see them. But does that kit come with lower ball joints

The kit comes fully loaded. The upper and lower balljoints are already installed in the control arms as well as new bushings. I would go this way simply because of the ease of assembly. Balljoints are notoriously stubborn to get out and it takes about 1/2 the time to replace the entire control arm, plus you get all new bushings with them. Add in new swaybar endlinks and bushings and you've got a completely new front end.

 

[Bullitt5339]

Sounds like my shop. They also said it would take four hours to replace one upper control arm. Lol. I'm not a mechanic but that sounded a little ridiculous.

I could replace all 4 control arms in under 4 hours on the ground in my driveway. 4 hours is ridiculous for an upper control arm. If it takes them 4 hours to take off 2 bolts and a nut and then install 2 bolts and a nut, you need to find a new shop.....

 

[BigBlue05]

That's why I told them to put the tires back on and I was on the way to pick it up.

 

[aheeejd]

Plus a good point to mention is with moog they can now be greased as opposed to ones with no grease fittings. My truck is an o3, a few years back i needed ball joints & also a hip replacement, so I paid sullivan tire, no where near these prices but they put on oem stuff, no grease fittings. So now that my hips are fixed I'm going to replace with moog so i can add grease.

Oh & I installed the Ranchero shocks in rear, happy with those & I haul my own firewood. Going to be adding a set of Timbren soon.

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[BigBlue05]

Does my truck have 1 or 2 sway bars? So far I'm looking at around $700 (which is way better than the $3000 from the shop and thats fixing alot more than they where going to).