Help me replace my steering and front susp.
- Thread starter tineman06
- Start date
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Singtoe
New member
Go ahead, Replace everything. Just make sure you use OEM parts or you will make more problems for yourself then just replacing the tie rods.
If the control arm bushings are cracked and dry-rotted, they will need to be replaced. If the seam to be good shape, I would leave them be.
If the control arm bushings are cracked and dry-rotted, they will need to be replaced. If the seam to be good shape, I would leave them be.
Baja Runner
Member
Feel like I write this every week, but here's a quick test:
Jack your front end up, and leave the tires on. Grab the tire at 9 o clock and 3 o clock and push/pull your tire back and fourth. If there is play, your tie rods are worn.
Try again at 12 and 6, and if there is play, your upper/lower ball joints are at fault.
I've never replaced the inner tie rods, but I've heard they are difficult to replace. Don't quote me on that though. Try doing a search.
Replacing the lower ball joints, steering rack bushings and outer tie rods are easy though and all pretty cheap. I dont see how new UCA's (I'm assuming you meant new upper ball joints) could increase your steering performance. If anything it would get worse using a uni-ball rather than a stock ball joint. But, depending on your mileage and how deep you want to dig, I suppose you could.
I bought a ball joint press kit from Total Chaos to help with removing and reinstalling the upper ball joints. You can just as easily do it with a ball joint removal press though without the "jig".
Another thing you may be interested in is to replace the lower control arm BUSHINGS. However you will need access to a press to get them in and out.
Jack your front end up, and leave the tires on. Grab the tire at 9 o clock and 3 o clock and push/pull your tire back and fourth. If there is play, your tie rods are worn.
Try again at 12 and 6, and if there is play, your upper/lower ball joints are at fault.
I've never replaced the inner tie rods, but I've heard they are difficult to replace. Don't quote me on that though. Try doing a search.
Replacing the lower ball joints, steering rack bushings and outer tie rods are easy though and all pretty cheap. I dont see how new UCA's (I'm assuming you meant new upper ball joints) could increase your steering performance. If anything it would get worse using a uni-ball rather than a stock ball joint. But, depending on your mileage and how deep you want to dig, I suppose you could.
I bought a ball joint press kit from Total Chaos to help with removing and reinstalling the upper ball joints. You can just as easily do it with a ball joint removal press though without the "jig".
Another thing you may be interested in is to replace the lower control arm BUSHINGS. However you will need access to a press to get them in and out.
