SSN-759
TYF Newbie
I'm the original owner of a 2002 Z71 Tahoe w/ 170K miles. I'm enjoying doing some DIY maintenance, some of which is probably long overdue. I recently completed some basic suspension work, including replacing front and rear shocks with Bilstein 5100's and replacing the rear coil springs, front and rear bump stops and the front and rear stabilizer bar links and bushings. I also replaced both front wheel bearing and hub assemblies. Man, what a pain that was. Thank goodness for the Hub Buster.
My original ball joints appear to be in not good condition, so replacing them was going to be my next maintenance item. I figured I would also replace the control arm bushings while I was it. This got me to wondering if I should just replace the control arms themselves rather than do the individual ball joints and bushings, but I don't know how to evaluate the control arms. I've spent the last 15 years in Texas, so they aren't rusting away from salt exposure, but they are 19 years old with 170K on them.
Any thoughts on what the better approach would be? Also, are there any other axle or suspension component replacements I should evaluate and consider replacing while I'm in there? Thanks!
My original ball joints appear to be in not good condition, so replacing them was going to be my next maintenance item. I figured I would also replace the control arm bushings while I was it. This got me to wondering if I should just replace the control arms themselves rather than do the individual ball joints and bushings, but I don't know how to evaluate the control arms. I've spent the last 15 years in Texas, so they aren't rusting away from salt exposure, but they are 19 years old with 170K on them.
Any thoughts on what the better approach would be? Also, are there any other axle or suspension component replacements I should evaluate and consider replacing while I'm in there? Thanks!