VTX1800N1

I'm replacing the entire front suspension- new upper control arms, lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends as well as Bilstein 5100 shocks to level the truck out. Since the uppers are not at all protected and are very visible, more so with the Bilsteins, I decided to paint them flat black with POR 15. These will never rust...

VTX1800N1

Ready to install. It'll be next week before the tie rods get here from Rock Auto.

JKRIFX4

they look purdy! I have the same ones. I still have some POR left maybe ill slap some on mine...

VTX1800N1

I'm just hoping that the bolts come out of the upper arms without a problem. I'm rebuilding my son's 2002 Mustang and I've got the K-member out. I've been working on the lower control arm bolts on that SOB for weeks. I've been using a hand sledge and impact hammer and they are still barely moving. It's been a real PITA.

JKRIFX4

Damn... Good luck.

VTX1800N1

Took the driver side apart today. The bolts came out of the upper arm bushings with no resistance at all.

FYI, if you are going to rent the ball joint tools from O'Reilly's, you will need both 67045 (the ball joint set) and 67048 (the 4WD adapter set for 67045). You can rent these tools for free as long as you bring them back with no damage. You need the 67048 because the C frame in 67045 is big enough with the supplied collets and end plates to remove the ball joint, but not big enough to install it. You will be able to get it all but the last 1/4" of the way in the lower arm. There is a shorter combined collet/end plate in 67048 that will allow you to get the ball joint the rest of the way in.

VTX1800N1

Progress pictures:




Driver side before shot. The frame and steering knuckle are going to be painted POR 15 chassis black.




Frame rust soon to be covered.








Lots more frame rust to cover with POR 15





Steering knuckle before pic.






Nearly disassembled. It's easier to remove the bearing/hub first, then remove outer tie rod end, then the upper ball joint, and finally the lower.

Rick's 06

That's all gonna look great when you're done. I don't miss the north and what it does to your vehicles. Post up some pics when it's done.

VTX1800N1

This was a Wisconsin truck before I bought it, so....

beantown617

With the POR15 do you have to wire brush or blast before coating or do you paint it right over the rust?