BASIC front suspension questions

[ScottPuddintane]

Ok, guys... dumb questions.... I don't know jack about front suspensions. I think I want to keep my suspension close to stock ("maybe" some KYB shocks or something) 'cause I drive in Chicago with tons of potholes & if I do any kind of racing it's at the drag strip.

My front end is a little loose (230k miles) & I'm already planning on putting new struts (3rd set so far).

I also want to put in new lower ball joints & lower A-frame bushings.

Should I put in a set of steering rack bushings?

What else should I replace/change?

Do I need a shop to press in my lower A-frame bushings? I can get a loaner tool to press in the ball joints.

Thanks for the help.

 

[tomustang]

With 230K, wow.

Somethings you need to look into if you want to replace the front end suspension:

Tie Rods (inner+outer)
Ball joints if the boot is torn.
Struts
Springs (you might as well inspect them if you're replacing the struts)
Control arm bushings (Your rubber ones are probably shot)
Swaybar End Links (sets is cheap)
If your steering is bad you can look into Rack bushings

Autozone should have tools you need to switch out bushings, if you can't get all the rubber out of the arms you have to burn them out.

KYB is a decent shock/strut. I've used them for 50K with no problems throughout all seasons.

Since you're getting under the car you might as well check the rear Lower control arm boxes for cracks.

 

[ScottPuddintane]

Thanks...

I already replaced the inner/outer tie rod ends at the last tire replacement/alignment, but someone else told me a new rack came with new inners & it's probably due to be replaced.... so I'll check into that.

How in the heck can I tell if my front springs are bad? The ride height seems ok as far as I can tell.

For the ball joints/lower control arm bushings, someone suggested that I just look into Ford Racing lower control arms. They're supposed to be around $190 & have urethane bushings + low friction ball joints already installed. Do you agree?

The struts are getting changed for sure (life time warranty) & the sway bar end link bushings were replaced recently.

I was recently under the car changing an engine & didn't notice any torque box cracks, but I'll look more closely. I'll probably do the rear suspension in the Spring, but I want the front good so I can put new tires on before winter.

My symptoms are these.... does this help any?
- irregular tire wear
- car "jerks" when the wheel is turned all the way to one side when I'm parking
- the driver's inner sway bar bushing keeps wearing out (pass. side OK)

 

[tomustang]

Well my cobra had a bad coil, found it cracked laying in the well where it sits, due to weathering.

Are you hearing any sounds with these problems?

The ford racingh arms are great, little stronger than stock too.


Also - Since it's all hapening to the pass-side i would look at the control arm, it could tore apart at one of the bolts. or something wrong with the strut tower, but I won't throw out that there is a bad wheel hub (due to sounds)

 

[53BigDog]

Could do cc plates as the alignments would be more precise. Also the had part about an alignment is it is only good until you pull the car out of the shop. First hole you hit could screw it right back up again!