Non-matching suspension & wheel problem

[2Greeby7]

Hey guys!

So recently I went to a larger tire size and had to do some cutting to help the rubbing situation. Then I noticed that my drivers and passengers side suspension was different. My drivers side seemed to be missing an upper bar.
Here are the photo's
Drivers side:

Passengers side:

My best guess is that bar is used for alignment. Speaking of alignment, when my wheel is pointed straight the drivers wheel is pointed fully forward and my passengers side is pointed out (to the left if looking head on to the truck). This is evident even when the trucks tires are turned to both extreme's. So would this be an alignment problem or is something bent in there that is causing this? Hopefully you guys can help me out!

 

[swshawaii]

Why 2-piece upper control arm on passenger side?
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=351852

upper control arm: why 2 different types?
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386645

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Who would've guessed swshawaii would answer first. LOL Yep, it's a two piece UCA as opposed to the one piece. Since you just got your new tires I would strongly suggest getting an alignment done asap before they wear uneven. I doubt anything is bent or busted from looking at the pictures but you still need an alignment done to adjust or replace worn out parts.

 

[swshawaii]

Thanks Jerry. Many shops offer free itemized front end inspections and alignment checks.

Lots of those parts look original and may need replacing before a good alignment can done.

 

[roamer37]

Your missing a sway bar end link on the drivers side

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Your missing a sway bar end link on the drivers side

Damn, I forgot to mention that before. I was in a rush to go out the door earlier.

 

[swshawaii]

Surprised you "serious" off road dudes know what sway bars and end links look like.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

LOL, I ran my fronts but not the rears.

 

[2Greeby7]

Hey thanks guys for the very quick responses! I fixed the end links on both sides now so that is done. I will get an alignment ASAP so I don't mess up my new tires.

Any recommendations on what to swap out? Struts? Bushings? Ball joints??

Thanks!

 

[MidnightRebel07]

If they're all original and depending on mileage I would suggest replacing or atleast checking out the balljoints (uppers and lowers), tie rod ends (inners and outers) shocks (front and rear) and hub assemblies (both sides). Have the shop doing the alignment check all of these parts.

 

[2Greeby7]

If they're all original and depending on mileage I would suggest replacing or atleast checking out the balljoints (uppers and lowers), tie rod ends (inners and outers) shocks (front and rear) and hub assemblies (both sides). Have the shop doing the alignment check all of these parts.

Ok, I will be sure to ask them then! I just rolled 85k on the truck so I'm guessing things will need to be replaced! Rockauto has a front end kit for $280 so once I get my check from the Army I will scoop that all up.

 

[Turdle]

Check the part quality of the "front end kit"

Not all are created equal. Service grade is meant to get you out the door, and it will last accordingly.
Pro grade is what a mechanic would use if he warranted his work.

 

[swshawaii]

Rockauto has a front end kit for $280 so once I get my check from the Army I will scoop that all up.

Are your LCA bushings worn? Much easier replacing only the ball joints.

MEVOTECH KIT111 (Supreme)
https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=5734623&cc=1414538

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1414538,parttype,10922

 

[2Greeby7]

Are your LCA bushings worn? Much easier replacing only the ball joints.

MEVOTECH KIT111 (Supreme)
https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=5734623&cc=1414538

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1414538,parttype,10922

Yes that is the kit I was looking at. Also everything seems to be pretty corroded in there. How big of a PITA would replacing all that be?

 

[swshawaii]

Torsion bars must be unloaded and removed to replace the lower control arms. If bushings OK, replace ball joints only.
After installing all the parts alignment will be required. Check out Mountaineer Green's excellent tutorials linked below.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=200204

 

[2Greeby7]

Torsion bars must be unloaded and removed to replace the lower control arms. If bushings OK, replace ball joints only.
After installing all the parts alignment will be required. Check out Mountaineer Green's excellent tutorials linked below.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=200204

Awesome thank you!

 

[MidnightRebel07]

I used his how-to when I replaced the UCA's balljoints, lower balljoints, shocks and tie rod ends on both my ST and '97 Mounty. I bought the balljoint toolkit, electric impact gun and snap ring plier kit from harbor freight and it made the job a breeze compared to trying to pound them out with a BFH.

 

[swshawaii]

Or rent the tools free from most larger auto parts stores. Pay cash for the deposit, or the bank(s) may take time to process refund.

 

[BKennedy]

Surprised you "serious" off road dudes know what sway bars and end links look like.

I have anti-sway bars. They are both sitting near the bottom of my metal junk pile.. At least the front anyway, not sure about the rear as its been off the truck for at least 15 years.