2004FX4Screw

Hey Guys,


I have a 2004 FX4, just hit 112K miles. I replaced the sway bar links (moog) a year or two ago. I have a bad clunk in the front end over speed bumps. I need tires, so I want to get everything set and aligned before I replace the tires.


Upon initial inspection, my ball joints didn't seem to be too bad when trying to move the tire whiled jacked up, but I suspected them to be close to worn out and decided to redo the front shocks as well.


I got some Moog Upper Control Arms and some TTX lower ball joints (really heavy duty), also installing new Bilstein 5100 with a 2 inch lift up front.


After removing the tie rod, it seems really floppy and the upper ball joint was definitely worse than the lower. I will replace the tie rod ends too.


I did notice some clunking when I rotated the CV axle around, seems to be some play. I have never had a problem with them but wonder if it is the hug assy or the axle.


I removed the hub assy and the steering knuckle, the CV if rotated seems to move an inch and clunk but don't think that was what I was experiencing over speed bumps.


Anything I should look for?


Thanks,


Bryan

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Check your coil springs ... they have been known to break..

notastockdohc

Must be why mine had new springs all around

johnny_tucson

you have springs in the back too?

2004FX4Screw

When I move the springs from the old shocks to the new Bilstein 5100's, I should be able to see if there is a problem.

2004FX4Screw

I got the new upper arms in and mounted the spring in the new 5100 on the driver's side.

Have not installed the shock as the lower ball joint is being very difficult. I even froze it for 2 days before installing hoping that would make it slide in easier.


The TTX lower ball joints are big and rugged, but I need to mic it and see how much bigger it really is.


I also removed the sway bar link and the driver's side so that I could easily drop the lower control arm....the Moog part is only a year old but it seems pretty beat up. May try to trade it in at OReilly's. That could definitely be part of my problem.

2004FX4Screw

Any advice on pressing lower ball joints?

screamineagle

Must have been an option we didn't know about???

Acxpert

I just replaced the upper control arms and lower ball joints in my 2004 Super Cab. The control arms were easy but the lowers were a bear. Tried a ball joint puller and heated it up to no avail. Had to use heat and pound them out with a sledge hammer. A cleaner option would be to remove the lower control arms and take them to a shop with a hydraulic press (unless you happen to have one in your garage). The new ball joints will press right in, getting them out is the tough part.

In addition I added a 2" leveling kit, new KYB shocks all around, alignment and new 33" tires on 17" rims. Looks sweet, rides great and the vibration is gone.

Good luck!

2004FX4Screw

I cannot get the new MevoTech TTX ball joints to go in using my 36in breaker bar and a 22mm socket on the ball joint press.


Next step is remove the lower control arm and take it to a hydraulic press....ugh.