While working on the DII today I was looking at all the suspension/linkage underneath and noticed that all of the bushings are going out. Most of the rubber looks pretty worn at most of the attachment points...tie rod ends, steering/hub, etc (I do not know all the proper terminology, and I did not look it up on rave first, forgive me)

Do I basically need to replace all the bushing or am I going to have to replace major end item parts?

Thx
Rob


----guess they are balljoints------

 

Those are your upper and lower ball joints, not bushings.
Jack up the front end and wiggle the wheels at 12 and 6 o'clock. look for excessive movement on those joints. If there is, you'll need to replace them. You'll need a ball-joint press and likely and air-hammer to do the job. If you pay someone to do it, expect to pay at least 3 hours labor. My lower ball joint boots are torn but the joints themselves are still good. I'll eventually replace them down the road.

 

Thanks for the info, will do

I just noticed the torn rubber and thought that wasn't good.....will look for play

 

Having the rubber boots broken doesn't necessarily mean that your ball joints are bad but without the boots your ball joints are going to wear out quicker. Water and grim are going to get in there and rust and wear the joint, causing excessive play.

 

Do they sell replacement boots for these trucks?

 

Not for the ball joints only for the swivel ball joints.

 

Replace all 4 ball joints and inspect the rest of your bushing and tie rod ends.

 

Thanks for all the help. Will add to the to do list....guess I will need to locate a local shop that can take care of it. I've neverdone this type of maint nor do I have the tools to do so.
Disco Mike appreciate all the info/help

 

Any vendor recommendations for the ball joints, i.e. AB, roversnorth, etc.....