need sine advice on suspension rebuild

[crimedog]

A little background...'06 V8 Limited with 235k. Front and rear struts/shocks are original. I checked my ball joints and they feel tight. Entire front end feels 9/10. Except for the struts which allow a lot of bounce.

I bought KYB Strut-Plus assemblies for the front. I researched and found that I am going to need an alignment after loosening the lower control arms. My question: Should I just go ahead and replace the LCL's and tie rod ends while I am under there? How about the UCL's? I am leaning towards the 1A Auto LCL's that others have had good luck with. My Runner is a highway queen 90% of the time. I do use it to hunt/fish but I do not abuse it off-highway. Slow and steady if I am headed to the blind or the pond.

There isn't any rust on my LCL's so that will make it a little easier. Appreciate the site and the advice.

 

[gaber6]

Without a lift you may not need an alignment via the LCA bolts. Just the KYB assemblies may hold the front higher due to the extra few coils but the geometry of the suspension should stay the same. I imagine at least close enough. You'll know right away when you drive it if it tracks weird.

 

[ZebRuaj]

I'm in the "don't fix it if it aint broke" group.

and I'm pretty sure the used OEM control arms are still better then generic aftermarkets. But your rig, your wallet, and your time.

As to the alignment, its always recommended anytime you touch the suspension. You can always find a place that does free checks to see if you really do need someone to realign it.

 

[crimedog]

Thanks. I am still considering my options but am trying to avoid the $80 alignment for just replacing struts. Is it possible to mark the cams to get it close?

 

[Rodtheviking]

Thanks. I am still considering my options but am trying to avoid the $80 alignment for just replacing struts. Is it possible to mark the cams to get it close?

Possible but not likely. With new shocks assemblies on a 200k truck its going to lift it up maybe more than an inch or so.. you are going to need an alignment.

 

[Bumbo]

I’ve learned my lesson on not getting alignments after certain types of work.

Bottom line is you pay for it in one way or another. The accelerated tire wear that I got from not doing it was probably worth at least the cost of the alignment itself.

No free lunch, which is why I am in the group that agrees with doing alignment after any type of suspension work.

 

[Morphyne]

If you are at 235k miles and original LCAs. You are also going to want to replace the allignment cams. My NC GX470 is pretty rust free but 2 of the allignment cams were completely frozena and corroded beyond repair. I ordered greasable moog replacements and have been very satisfied with them.

 

[crimedog]

Thanks a bunch guys. Going to go ahead and replace LCA's, alignment cams and tie rod ends. Still unsure on the UCA's.

Going to research aftermarket LCA's. I am a little uneasy going anything other than OEM. I know there have been a few good reviews on aftermarket LCA's but the part I order today may not even be the same one that was sold a year ago. But OEM is awfully pricey.

I fully expect this truck to go 400k. Just don't know if I want to spend the extra money on OEM.