Can I get all this done?

[texadelphia]

I'm planning on replacing my steering rack bushings soon and was going to rent a garage space with a lift since it's still raining here in the PNW and I don't have a paved driveway anyway. Then I was thinking that while I was in there I'd replace the inner tie rod that's going bad and maybe do my lower ball joints too. If I rent the garage and lift for 8 hours does that seem like adequate time to get all of that done? I'm an average wrencher but I'm fairly careful and meticulous and this is the first time I'd be doing any of these particular repairs. I'd be doing all of this solo unless my wife decides she wants to go with me and hand me tools. Thoughts?

 

[Skulking]

That's a very doable list for 8 hours.

 

[photoleif]

i haven't done the steering rack bushings yet, but they're on the bench waiting for the rest of the goodies to arrive. you'll have the tie rods unhooked anyway for the job, so doing an inner should be quickish. make sure you have the narrow-width wrenches for fitting on the flats of the inner. i did my LBJs in an hour each, and you'd shave time off for sure given it'll be up on the lift. if you haven't watched [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] 's vids on these procedures, check 'em out.

 

[jgue467]

I've done both, less than 2 hours each. If rusty, soak bolts ahead of time. Luck.

 

[Brian.]

I'm with everyone else, 8 hours of dedicated work on a lift and the work you want to do is all doable. The caveat is that you don't run into any Major issues. Those soak up time. So do a "dry run", write down your work order/plan (I like to put tools needed, torque values and page reference to the section of the manual too) and run through it on a dry spot somewhere. Soak every fastener with penetrating fluid at that time, but mostly get familiar with what you're about to do.

I've been a pro wrench since 2000 and I *still* plan out work like this (well, anything that's not commonplace work, or investigative in nature ~ which makes up the lions share of the wrenching I actually do). I still run into snags, but it's a whole lot easier mentally because I have a quick guide to get me back on track vs trying to remember where I was/what was next. Might just be old age on my part though......

 

[texadelphia]

Thanks all. I do plan on mapping this all out with steps, tools, and torque specs so that it goes as quickly as possible. I also plan on doing the LBJs last. That way if I get hung up on something in the steering I can always come back later and get the LBJs done.

I picked up a set of narrow adjustable wrenches for the inner tie rod but I might also rent the tie rod tool from Autozone just in case.

Now I just need to get some parts ordered.

 

[jgue467]

Thanks all. I do plan on mapping this all out with steps, tools, and torque specs so that it goes as quickly as possible....

Now I just need to get some parts ordered.

Oh I forgot, I did have a helper, not really necessary for the lbjs but very helpful if not bordering on necessary for the rack, to hold in place while bolts are lined up. Luck!

 

[cblock406]

Steering rack bushings are the most difficult to do of the stuff you are planning, make sure you have the right press tool to get them out. Once that's done the rest should go quick. Having a lift will be nice.

 

[3bears]

Wish there was a shop around here that rented lift time and space...thats handy.

the pitman pullers that tim shows in his video can make the LBJ's fast, O rielleys loans them both, they can pop off tie rod ends etc without damaging boots. get new bolts for the LBJ's, Make sure you have new cotter pins also, . The rack bushings are not that difficult. I had most of my issues with getting the inner tie rods. Have some good breaker bars or pipe that fit over your ratchets. might need some pipe to fit over your narrow wreches for tie rods. 8 hours, all tools and parts on hand is all dooable, the 2nd side will go faster than the first. I prefer 6 point sockets.
I would have outer tie rods and sway bar links new and handy unless they are already fairly new. You will need an alignment after.

 

[FD7683]

You can do it but rust can slow you down. Prepare before the job and soak everything with PB Blaster.

 

[spartacus]

Lift access would make working on the truck way easier. I am betting 4hrs from start to finish.

 

[itskohler]

Just to echo what everyone else is saying, soak all the nuts and bolts in PB Blaster. I'd start adding it a day or 2 before, specially on the tie rods. Pitman pullers will make the LBJs a cake walk.

 

[Devbot]

I'm gonna go against the grain here and say DONT put your money on pitman pullers. When doing my LBJs I bent the jaws on TWO sets and my ball joints didn't budge. Might be worth a shot but if you're high mileage and still on the original set I wouldn't expect much. Meanwhile a pickle fork and hammer got them out in 45 seconds.