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98 suspension re-build ?

ecourt

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Joined
July 1, 2001
Messages
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City, State
Richmond KY
Year, Model & Trim Level
1998 4.0 SOHC XLT Explore
I have a 98 SOHC, 100% stock. -- it's been a very good truck, can't complain a bit.

150K miles on it, and I'm starting to get a lot of noise out of the front end, rattles when going over bumps, and also starting to get some noise (whine) while driving, I suspect wheen bearings.

So -- My thought is-- I'm want to pull it all out, and go through and replace what needs to be replaced, and get it right. I figure at least a couple of you guys have gone through this, and can keep me from having to pull it apart multiple times -- cause I missed changing this the first time.

My level of mechanical ability is pretty high, I've just rebuilt a second Mustang SVO (motor suspension, hybrid turbo, front mount intercooler, Cobra IRS rear end), and working on getting it all back together now. should be a pretty fun car.. anyway

I replaced lower ball-joints (and one upper) at about 90K, I havn't checked them recently, but suspect it may be time again, I'm expecting I'll need upper, and lower control arm busings as well.

What do I need to look for in wheel-bearings ? These have the sealed bearings? It's been so lone since I did the bal-joints, I do'nt even remember.

What else do I need in my big bag of parts, and special tools to get-er-done? what else is in there that I should attend to while I'm at it.

Thanks!
 






If you want a new front end, get upper and lower ball joints, control arms bushings (upper ball joints should come with, need new ones for the lower arms), inner and outer tie rod ends for both sides and wheel hub/bearing assemblies. If you've never replaced your CV axles you might do that too if you want to do it all. That pretty much covers everything.

Wheel hub/bearing assemblies will be the most expensive part by far. They run a little over $200 a piece for quality ones. Once you get everything apart you can spin these by hand and pretty much tell if they need replaced. If they are tight and smooth they are fine, any grinding, roughness or play at all and they should be replaced.

For everything other then the bearings and the CV axles, you can expect to spend a little over $400 for good quality parts. CV axles will be another $130 for a rebuilt pair and both wheels bearings would be $450 or so. I would recommend finding either TRW or Moog suspension parts as they are the best. If you get the wheel bearings get Timken. Most places have lifetime warranties on the suspension stuff so you'll never have to buy it again.
 






Oh yeah, get new Sway Bar End links and Sway bar mounting bushings too. $50 max for all four. And if you've never put on shocks or its been a while do that too.

As for tools, you'll need a gear puller to pull the hubs bearings off the axles, a ball joint press for the lower ball joints, a 32mm socket for the axle nut, and assorted sockets and what not, all in metric.

All the specialty tools can be loaned from a local Autozone.

And when you're all done you'll need an alignment.
 






Thanks a lot!!
prices were about what I expected, until you got to the wheel-bearings -- That one kinda took me by surprise -- WOW --

On the halfshafts -- what kind of mileage do you guys normally see out of them?
any preference on manufacturers? I see that a couple of places have cardone (new) for about $89 each

Thanks again!
 






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