My front end needs some TLC. I want to put together a list of parts that will need to be replaced and put a budget together.

Does anyone have a list of parts that are replaced in the front end, including shocks to "tighten things up" ?

Thanks! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

just use the mitsu ASA program to get the part no.'s <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks! Well- finding part numbers is no problem.

But what parts to buy? Does it use Ball joints? suspension arms? Bushings? Flex boots? Tie rod ends?

What are the wear parts I should be replacing?

Thanks!

Bust out the FSM and go through the parts explosions. Reviewing the procedures will also help you visualize the whole undertaking.

Steering: Idler arm/Pitman arm/tie rod ends (4).

Suspension: Ball joints (lower)/replace upper control arms, completely assembled, including upper ball joints and bushings/lower control arm bushings, two in frame (PITA) and two in arm.

Misc: New grease seals for bearings, which should also be repacked. And get a decent alignment ASAP afterwards.

Shocks: Just get KYB gas-a-just. Best shock for the money, unless you can't live without the factory three way adjustable, but those will set you back $1K for new ones.

Have fun getting the bushings out/back in on the lower control arms, especially the ones in the frame mounts. It took me the better part of two days to complete that part on mine, and they still looked pretty good even after 150K miles, so I'm not even sure they needed to be done. PM me if you go ahead with them and I'll tell you how I did it.

John B.

I know a lot of guys that will put the "female" piece in the oven, and the "male" piece in the freezer when it comes to installing new suspension bushings. A light coat of grease and a persuasion tool should finish the job.

The bushings in question cannot be beaten out; they have to be pressed out. And I hope you have an understanding significant other to be able to put greasy control arms in your oven (the truck won't fit, for the other frame mouted locations). You can use a MAPP torch, though.

To give you an idea of the force necessary to get the bushings in and out, I snapped a couple of Grade 8 bolts in the process.

John B.

Thanks for the list of recommendations, Johnny!

I have access to a 50 ton shop press.

Doing some budgeting now for the project. Will keep you all posted on this.

Regarding the lower control arms, I would probably suggest replacing the bushing at the front of the arm, as you can manuever it into the press easily. Think carefully about trying the rear mount's bushing. There is no easy way. There's little clearance and you'll spend a lot of time on it, plus it's very robust so I would tend to think it could be left alone. But, then again, I was able to do it in my driveway...

John B.

did anybody metion having to move the pumkin?
I bought the bushings many years ago and thought about doing this job when I'm really really bored as my original 24 year old and 252,000 bushing are still good. Mitsu rubber is superior.
I'd replace your idler arm and maybe pitman arm , check ball joint and buy KYBs, and save the rest of your time and money for gas to go 4 wheeling.