lil help plz...

[Violatorz]

i signed up in the hopes that i could get some input/opinions. the front end of my 99 needs work. both half shafts, inner/outer tie rods ends, upper and lower ball joints. front rotors, just to start... now for my questions...

Q 1: i was told it might be worth buying a new upper control arm instead of upper ball joints simply for the ease of replacement (worth the xtra $$ to not have to compress the upper ball joints), is this true?? keep in mind that the runner will be towing a trailer beginning next yr.

Q 2: when i bought the runner, i was told it had a 3 1/2 lift on it. it does have a lift but idk if thats correct or the manufacturer of the lift kit. how can i tell?? AND i was also told that makes a diff when buying new shocks/struts.

im going to buy an ultra-lite trailer next yr and would like to have this ***** ready to roll. anybody have any good suggestions on where to buy parts or have work done; i.e. online stores, local stores. anything...

p.s. one more thing.... any thoughts on powder coating?? front and rear bumper and pushbar. my front bumper is rusted out, must order new. but i like the powder coating idea, idk... what ya think???

 

[Nelsonmd]

Well, start with the "tutorial and document reference" sticky a the top of the 3rd gen section. That has lots of information. Better to read it for yourself instead of re-hashing questions that have been asked many times before. Plus, that thread has better answers than you will likely get by re-hashing it here.

As to your Q's...

1. Probably not. I am actually doing that, but not because I need to replace the UBJ's. I am doing it because my UCA's are super rusty and I want to replace them anyway. And unless you have a good line on a super cheap set of UCA's. then it is no where near worthwhile to do that (I got mine super cheap used). You can do this with simple tools and some mechanical skill.

2. Take pictures of the shocks and coils both front and back and post them here. They may say right on them what they are. If you replace both front and back, then don't worry what is on it now, just buy what you want. TONS of threads here about lifts, start reading.

As for the other work you mentioned, can you provide a little more detail? Why do you think the TRE's, BJ's and rotors need work, have you actually inspected them? Sounds like you probably havn't. You are talking about spending alot of money even if you do it yourself, so you want to be sure that all this actually needs to be replaced. Don't trust a mechanic for your diagnosis unless you REALLY trust them.

ALSO: Post your location in your profile. Guys here can recommend local shops, or help you with stuff you do on your own.

 

[Pikeman]

X2. On what Nelson just said.

The only thing I would change is if you do have a lift it does affect what length shock you purchase. Again look at the top of the section at the stickies.