High mileage suspension/steering refresh.

[mattt]

i doubt the ball joint boots are the problem. i drove on a busted ball joint gushing with grease and it felt the same as when i got a new one

How can you drive on a busted ball joint?

 

[CamReynolds]

How can you drive on a busted ball joint?

maybe the joint was fine but the boot was ripped

 

[mattt]

maybe the joint was fine but the boot was ripped

Hope so. Let's see what he says.

 

[Chubbs]

Now if anyone can point me in the direction of front Autoride shocks that are not $300 a piece, I would greatly appreciated it.

https://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/75-00845_AN

https://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/75-82301_2P

 

[Rocket Man]

He said fronts.

 

[MCAT069]

https://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/75-00845_AN

https://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/75-82301_2P

Thank you. Are the 1500 and 2500 ones interchangeable? The fitment guide on the link you provided only list 1500 series.

 

[Chubbs]

eww, IDK MAN. I thought that I was searching 2500 at the time. I dropped the ball

 

[Chubbs]

He said fronts.

why not correct it instead of breaking my balls then.

 

[Rocket Man]

why not correct it instead of breaking my balls then.

That wouldn't have been as fun. Plus more work. I'm lazy.

 

[Epik]

Update: I still haven’t replaced any parts yet, but I did find out the bolts on my rear shocks were somehow loose on both sides. Tightened them up, and all my clunking is now gone! Who would’ve thought lol?

That being said, I still plan on replacing my suspension/steering components, because I want a factory fresh ride quality.

Question: Can I install aftermarket keys to level it out, and still run my 4600’s, or do I have to install a set of 5100’s to do this safely? I did notice that my driver side sits lower than my passenger side. Do the torsion bars actually go bad?

 

[Epik]

I found this kit on amazon, & I noticed it comes with shock extenders, is this a decent kit & is this a good idea?

https://www.amazon.com/Protune-Suspension-Forged-Leveling-Extender/dp/B071K7G1F1

 

[Epik]

So I’ve been doing a lot of research lately and I’m coming across mixed reviews on leveling. My main question is, if I level my truck by lifting it 2 inches in front using the keys, will I need aftermarket UCA’s like the ones from cognito? I’m seeing tons of videos with leveled trucks resting on the bump stop with factory uca’s. I’m ready to pull the trigger on my replacement parts, and a leveling kit, but I don’t want to spend big money on the cognito stuff if I don’t need it. Cranking the stock keys sounds like a bad idea versus buying lift keys, because from my understanding it makes for a far stiffer ride, correct? My main concerns are getting everything nice & tight again, and bringing the front end up to a close to level stance, while maintaining a factory like ride quality. Any concrete real world info would be much appreciated.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

So I’ve been doing a lot of research lately and I’m coming across mixed reviews on leveling. My main question is, if I level my truck by lifting it 2 inches in front using the keys, will I need aftermarket UCA’s like the ones from cognito? I’m seeing tons of videos with leveled trucks resting on the bump stop with factory uca’s. I’m ready to pull the trigger on my replacement parts, and a leveling kit, but I don’t want to spend big money on the cognito stuff if I don’t need it. Cranking the stock keys sounds like a bad idea versus buying lift keys, because from my understanding it makes for a far stiffer ride, correct? My main concerns are getting everything nice & tight again, and bringing the front end up to a close to level stance, while maintaining a factory like ride quality. Any concrete real world info would be much appreciated.

Are you referring to the jounce stops? Those are supposed to be in contact as they are the fulcrum for the torsion bars.

The ONLY difference between stock or lift keys is how the are indexed. Unless you're trying to go higher than than stock keys will let you, the only difference will be how far the bolt is cranked to hold you at the desired height.

 

[Epik]

Are you referring to the jounce stops? Those are supposed to be in contact as they are the fulcrum for the torsion bars.

The ONLY difference between stock or lift keys is how the are indexed. Unless you're trying to go higher than than stock keys will let you, the only difference will be how far the bolt is cranked to hold you at the desired height.

Not the jounce bumpers, but from what I’ve came across on YouTube & by searching a couple threads on here, when you lift the truck using the keys, it reduces the distance between the upper control arm & the frame. Let me find some of the links, & I will post them here so you can see what I mean.

 

[Epik]

Finally got to diag everything with the help of a friend. Turns out my A-arm bushings and balljojnts are fine, along with both the inner and outer tie rods (very surprising at 262k) My culprit seems to be worn pitman arm, idler arm, & steering box. I will be buying those parts, along with the cognito pitman/idler braces, new end links for the the front, & some torsion keys.

What brand replacement steering box do you guys recommend?

 

[Epik]

Ok. So my mechanic is in the middle of the job, and indeed one of my front shocks is toast. I plan on leaving the car stock height, so can I use 5100’s at stock height, or should I just stay with the 4600’s? Is there any benefit or difference with the 5100 at stock height?