99 Front suspension 2wd questions

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

TxTom

New Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2021
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Location
North Texas
Hi all.
I am original owner 99 xlt 2wd with 126k miles. Will be keeping it until one of us croaks.
last time it was at a shop they said the front end needed some work. I think they said control arms, cant remember exactly.
I didnt have them proceed because I wanted to see if they really got the a/c working with just a recharge, looks like it worked ( with no a/c I wasnt going to spend any more money on the truck)
anyway before I take it back in, I wanted to get an idea of what a full re-do of the front end wear parts might cost at a shop ? is it wise to replace it all at once rather than just what is really shot ? again I am keeping the truck as long as it is financialy alive.
what do you suggest and best/worst case cost.
I am old and not a mechanic and no garage so really need to pay a shop

forgot to add, rear suspension already converted and tranny rebuilt at about 85k, now at 126k

thanks
 

Hamfisted

Full Access Members
Joined
Nov 20, 2012
Posts
2,593
Reaction score
1,474
Location
Ft Lauderdale
The typical culprits are the lower ball joints and inner tie rods at that mileage. But age may have creeped up on the uppers as well. If the dust boots are cracked replace everything. You can look under there and check the dust boots yourself before you take it to the shop. Cost can be anywhere on the scale.
 
OP
OP
T

TxTom

New Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2021
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Location
North Texas
Thanks, I just looked and the dust cover is completly missing on the upper ball joint on pass side, yikes
 

Hamfisted

Full Access Members
Joined
Nov 20, 2012
Posts
2,593
Reaction score
1,474
Location
Ft Lauderdale
Yeah, once they're compromised it doesn't take long for the joint itself to get trashed. The new ones will last longer.
 
Top