Major front end problems on a '96 - worth fixing or should I get a new truck?

[ChriszTruck]

I've been hearing some squeaking, creaking and odd noises coming from the front suspension for quite some time now. I thought I could push it until the 1st week of July because I have some money coming in and would be able to fix it. In the past few days it got REALLY bad so I took it to a reputable shop near me that specializes in front ends. I got my free estimate today....bad news....

It seems that with 186k miles - all the front suspension parts are original. I was advised to park it and not drive it again as some parts are literally falling apart. My shocks, tie rod ends, ball joints, many bushings and front tires are completely shot. They quoted me at $2,490 for everything, or $1,700 if I don't do the shocks and only put on 2 new tires. This shop is known for slightly higher prices, but most of the cost was parts and not labor. I could probably get everything done for just under $2k at another place, but that's still a lot of money for a truck that's worth $1k.

So I have 186k miles, some body damage, A/C leak, liftgate that can't open, and some other misc little things. I'm thinking that it simply isn't worth putting any money into the truck at this point, and I'd be better off buying a late 90's Mountaineer which I was planning on doing anyway. I'd rather part the truck out, but I'm moving July 1st so that's not possible. I think I could get $500 for it and put that towards the cost of a newer truck. I really love this truck, and I'd be sad to see it go, but it may be the best thing for me to do.

What say you?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I replaced all of mine to the tune of about $400 last weekend. I did all the work my self. I had 192k on mine. I had one ball joint replaced at Ford three years ago & it cost me $750. Never again.

I'ts not hard to do. Most parts stores have tool loaner progams where you pay a deopsit on the tools. When you bring it back you get all of your money back.

I'ts possible that if you find a late '90's Mounty or Explorer that you will run into the same problem.

 

[ChriszTruck]

I replaced all of mine to the tune of about $400 last weekend. I did all the work my self. I had 192k on mine. I had one ball joint replaced at Ford three years ago & it cost me $750. Never again.

Are you talking about just the ball joints or did you replace other things too?

I'ts possible that if you find a late '90's Mounty or Explorer that you will run into the same problem.

I would definitely take the truck to a shop and have it inspected before buying so I don't run into the same problem.

 

[carlover]

you can do shocks, all ball joints, all tie rods, bushings, and a few other things for around 500$. There are a few very good writeups on here, its not a very hard job.

Check out this thread.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165352

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Are you talking about just the ball joints or did you replace other things too?

That was both upper control arms, both lower ball joints, both swaybar links & R & L side camber adjusting bolts.

You can get the upper control arms & lower ball joints off ebay for $290 shipped. They are McQuay Norris brand. Advance Auto sells them on there website.


I will add that I have an air compressor & air tools so it made the job easier.

 

[ChriszTruck]

I am mechanically inclined and have done quite a bit of engine work on my past vehicles, but I don't know a thing about suspensions. I would normally take the time to learn and do it myself, but I'm getting ready to move, and I don't have use of my garage at this point. Besides what you guys mentioned there are other things on the estimate like tie rod ends, and I'd still have to get new tires and an alignment. Even if I were to do some or even most of the work myself, there are things I cannot do that I would still have to pay for. Besides that this is my only vehicle so I have no way to drive around to get parts and tools. I also have to find an apartment in the next 20 days or so and as of now have no transportation.

I'm guessing it would be worth keeping the truck if I had the time and means to work on it myself. So under the aforementioned circumstances, should I just find a new truck?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Sorry, I forgot that $400 included inner & outer tie rods as well.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

You can fix it for around $400-$500 in parts and do it yourself.

Lower ball joint how to:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188225

Inner Tie Rod ( Outters can be done at the same time )

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187888

I have a upper control arm write up on the way-

 

[L4CX]

I'm pretty new around here, but I guess every opinion counts. I would say it would be more economical to just get rid of it. I just got my explorer and it's the same year and I love it. I know the Guy who gave it to me (AKA My dad) Really misses it and it's been his favorite truck. If you're in the same boat as he is (it's one of the best trucks you've owned and you'll regret getting rid of it), it might be worth fixing up. The first repair I ever did on a car was tie rod ends. It was on a Full sized Chevy van. It's not hard at all. Especially with sites like this one. Good luck.

 

[ChriszTruck]

Sold!

Thanks for the replies and links guys. I posted the truck on craigslist earlier tonight for $850 and it sold in literally 1 hour. The guy says he's coming tomorrow morning with a trailer to pick it up. Sooo, I'm now in the hunt for another explorer or moutaineer for $3,500 or less. I haven't found anything that good in the NJ area yet, so if you guys know of one please let me know.

 

[ChriszTruck]

I ended up finding a new truck and figured I'd updated here.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188728

 

[chriswells78]

Damnit, that always happens, I go buy something and 2 weeks later, I see the same thing for half price.

 

[ChriszTruck]

Damnit, that always happens, I go buy something and 2 weeks later, I see the same thing for half price.

I had some no-shows and actually ended up selling it for $650! And yeah, that's usually the way it goes.