Found bad CV boots when installing new rotors. Unhooked the sway bar from both sides and used several extensions with impact. Both came out without removing anything else. Used the NAPA remans.

 

Nice..is that a 24V cordless impact..

 

No, it's a cheapo 110v.

 

That looks like the HF impact. I have the orange one. Freaking sweet little gun for 40 dollars.

Thanks for the tip too, that's good to know.

I've got to ask. Is your username by chance because you are a Joe Satriani fan?

 

Childhood nickname.

 

Right on. Thanks again.

 

Good job. Looks like you still have a lot of factory original parts on that front end. I did both my axles two winters ago. Wanted Motorcraft remans, PITA to find. Finally Rock auto came thru with a set, had to to ship them here from California though lol.

I ended up mooging the front end at the same time. Just the uppers needed it, replaced lower ball joints while I was at it. Also cleaned up the Brembo rotors, then realigned it as close as I could get it..close enough IMO.





Btw Satriani Rules

 

Looks good. I'm dreading doing mine but it is going to be all at once.
CVs, hubs, upper and lower ballpoints, tie rods, and idler and pitman arm
What do you suggest for cv's

 

Is that your oil filter behind the bumper?

 

Check everything first. Wheel wobble test and a little prying action around the cups or boots. Squeeze and watch for water. You can work the steering from grabbing the wheels and turning by hand while half way under the truck. You'll find some stuff loose with a little slop and other stuff just fine. I wanted to replace everything for good measure, but couldn't justify after checking. Replace in pairs for the most part tho.

The cv's. You know, I was just looking for remaned Motorcraft sets. Something that said Motorcraft. Come to find out, most 3rd party sets are just fine and folks haven't had a problem with them. For instance, you can trust NAPA for the most part IMO..Other stuff, nothing but Moog will do. Their problem solver series is a hit. With Moog, the parts are Forged then machined accurately...to a point that they are a upgrade. Ford does the same, neck and neck in fact, just look at how long their front end components last without grease. No one pays attention to that. Moog goes a step further making the joint serviceable. My Ford factory non greasable u-joints have over 300,000 miles on them, so they are definitely doing something right. You just never hear about that, anything good anyway....cuz people don't understand joints without zerks, so it must be bad lol.

In a nut shell, Moog for the front end suspension components. Motorcraft remans for the cv's, but that's not critical. 3rd party suppliers seem to have it down and are rebuilding them correctly.

Other than that, if you have deep pockets or want to go the extra, you can always purchase brand new Motorcraft CV's. Might cost about 6 hundy for two tho lol.