2006 EB new owner questions

[CountriSquire]

I recently acquired a very high mileage (190K) one owner auction car [seemed like a good idea at the time] and have been working my way towards what now looks like a front suspension rebuild.

This is a totally new critter to me after working on my 2000 XLT for six years.

I think I searched the threads, but may have missed one that applied. This may turn into a multi-question deal, but I'll try to be brief (laugh later) and still supply info.

- From the groupings, this is first year Gen 4 model. I missed a Gen3 - so far. Can anyone tell me the basic 'changes' that appeared on this model? I'm a bit confused by front grill appearance. The '05 & '06 grilles look almost interchangeable at first glance to me. First with indy 4wh suspension?

- More specifically I have worked my way inward by replacing front and rear brakes with Power Stop P-23 axle sets, then replacing front hubs with Timkin brand, and finally a new set of Goodyear Fortera 17's.

Foolishly ignoring Murphy's Law I figured I was ready for a front end check and alignment. Fortunately I was sitting down when the guy came over with the estimate.

I was told two lower ball joints (appears they carry the bulk of the load and wear looking at set-up) and one tie rod end.

So, my list of questions-

First, I'm no fan of fooling with coil springs. Is is solely the spring/shock assembly that limits the downward (and upward?) travel of the control arms?

After looking, I'm wondering if it's feasible to leave them in place and using outside spring compressors compress them enough to bring the control arms to a 'neutral' position in order to be able to remove the steering knuckle for ball joint replacement? I'm assuming they still have some travel left and would want to push the lower arm down if either ball joint was freed?

Warrants another post, but briefly, looks like I can replace just the ball joints or the entire arm w/bushings and ball joints in place.

I've done research and can't figure what's going on. I can get the replacement arm assembly anywhere from ~$40 up to $250 for Motorcraft.

Used to feel if it was Moog that's all you needed to know. Looks to me like they're fighting fire with fire and have introduced an 'R' line. What was a # 'K1234' is now available as an 'RK1234' on many products. I'm assuming it's a foreign manufacture with their logo on it.

Given that the inner bushings appear OK, it'd be less hassle than pulling arms (and whatever that would do to initial alignment) and I'd keep my original 'steel' from the factory, I'm leaning towards just replacing the ball joints top and bottom with Moog units w/grease fitting. Hopefully 'Made in the U.S.A.'

Also opinions on jacking the frame and using a roller jack under the arm to compress spring to achieve the same end? Never quite sure of where to position the jack head and concern for it slipping off that angled arm.

Thanks for reading the short novel. I dread the job, but dread reaching for my wallet more. Appreciate any input. The best.

 

[Bill MacLeod]

Having previously owned a 99 EB 4 x 4 and now having the 06 since 2009, maybe my observations may be of help.
The 2nd, 3rd & 4th gen front suspensions are vary similar, so if you have done your own work on the 99, then the removal and replacement of parts on your 4th gen will be almost the same.
The front upper & lower control arms are stamped steel (not cast) so they are cheaper to manufacture. To save on time and/or labour cost, it just makes sense to r&r. Also gives you the advantage of having new bushings. At the same time, I would change both outer t/r.
Your 4th gen has modified struts. The shock and spring can be swapped out as a single unit. Yes, they are more expensive, but a very doable swap that yields good results.
You are correct about the Moog control arms. K's are no longer available. When I tried to find some this past spring, I was told that Moog has closed ALL plants in Canada and the USA. The RK's may be made in Mexico or China, price would indicate they are not any better than others. We used Mevo in my son's 08 Adrenalin. Quality looks ok at best.
Hope this info is of help.

 

[CountriSquire]

Bill

Thanks for the insight and info. Holy smokes, no more Moog in North America. How sad.

Yes,' in for a dime...' kinda guy here. If I'm gonna tear it down again only makes sense to refurb it all. I think the spring/shock assemblies are OK from the way it handles and haven't priced them.

The wide price variations and not yet knowing what's involved with an arm r/r. Will look more closely. hopefully D-I-Y labor savings will allow changing all stg linkage ends as well.