Hi All. I've been a lurker here for 2 years and have learned a ton from you! I do a lot of DIY but never suspension. Now I need my Pitman and Idler arms changed as the tires are wearing unevenly and the joints are blown on them. I have several questions:
1. I feel uneasy about putting new parts under at 12 year old truck when the front suspension is showing wear (all the joints). Are the kits on Amazon from Detroit Axle or Parts Warehouse ok? They come with Pitman, idler, ball joints, tie rod ends...
2. I want to lower the truck...not for looks or handling but because it's hard for my wife to put the kids in and out (yeah, I'm the guy who really just has the truck because it's the best kid hauler out there). I think just a 2/3 drop would do. Should I be considering this at the same time as all the other work?
3. Is the Crown Suspension kit any good?
4. I should change shocks when I do all this, right...some shops say mine are shot while others say they're still Ok?
I found a shop that is highly recommended, does great work, has a good warranty and is more than happy to install whatever parts I bring...seems like their labor rate is between 80 and 95 per hour.
Any ideas how to maximize this on a budget?
1. I feel uneasy about putting new parts under at 12 year old truck when the front suspension is showing wear (all the joints). Are the kits on Amazon from Detroit Axle or Parts Warehouse ok? They come with Pitman, idler, ball joints, tie rod ends...
2. I want to lower the truck...not for looks or handling but because it's hard for my wife to put the kids in and out (yeah, I'm the guy who really just has the truck because it's the best kid hauler out there). I think just a 2/3 drop would do. Should I be considering this at the same time as all the other work?
3. Is the Crown Suspension kit any good?
4. I should change shocks when I do all this, right...some shops say mine are shot while others say they're still Ok?
I found a shop that is highly recommended, does great work, has a good warranty and is more than happy to install whatever parts I bring...seems like their labor rate is between 80 and 95 per hour.
Any ideas how to maximize this on a budget?