Replacing front suspension parts

[cgster]

Im getting ready to order ball joints, tie rods....etc to change out all of the old front end stuff on my 67 C10. I've never done any front end work, will there be any special tools I need to complete this job besides the everyday sockets, wrenches...etc? Also, any tips for things that might be difficult to change out? Thanks.

[pjmoreland]

You will need a pickle fork to detach the tie rods and ball joints. The lower ball joint is pressed into the control arm, so it requires a press and the appropriate tools for that (either a press or a ball joint c-clamp style service kit). My local Les Schwab wanted $100 to press out my old ball joints and press in the new, so I bought a press at Harbor Freight and did it myself. I have used that press for dozens of other things since I got it. If you are replacing your control arm bushings, you will need some big wrenches. I bought a 3/4" drive socket set from Home Depot for this purpose.

[cgster]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

You will need a pickle fork to detach the tie rods and ball joints. The lower ball joint is pressed into the control arm, so it requires a press and the appropriate tools for that (either a press or a ball joint c-clamp style service kit). My local Les Schwab wanted $100 to press out my old ball joints and press in the new, so I bought a press at Harbor Freight and did it myself. I have used that press for dozens of other things since I got it. If you are replacing your control arm bushings, you will need some big wrenches. I bought a 3/4" drive socket set from Home Depot for this purpose.

I may just end up buying the parts and taking it to a shop to get them to do it. Would that be something a brake/tire shop would do?

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by cgster

I may just end up buying the parts and taking it to a shop to get them to do it. Would that be something a brake/tire shop would do?

I'm speaking as a (retired) automobile mechanic.......

Not a good idea, bringing your parts to a shop.. Would you bring steak and veggies to a restaurant and ask them to cook it up for you?? If you're unable to do the work yourself, take the truck to a shop and let them install their parts.. Doing so will allow them to offer a "full coverage" warranty on the work...

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

I'm speaking as a (retired) automobile mechanic.......

Not a good idea, bringing your parts to a shop.. Would you bring steak and veggies to a restaurant and ask them to cook it up for you?? If you're unable to do the work yourself, take the truck to a shop and let them install their parts.. Doing so will allow them to offer a "full coverage" warranty on the work...

I agree. Let them source the parts from someone they trust and deal with daily. That way the shop and you have recourse if there's a problem with a part.

[tinman_local2]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

I'm speaking as a (retired) automobile mechanic.......

Not a good idea, bringing your parts to a shop.. Would you bring steak and veggies to a restaurant and ask them to cook it up for you?? If you're unable to do the work yourself, take the truck to a shop and let them install their parts.. Doing so will allow them to offer a "full coverage" warranty on the work...

Could not have said it better myself. My brother-in-law runs my wife's family's shop now and hates when people bring their own parts. He can't warranty a part he didn't buy and has a good relationship with the parts store that will let him submit a claim for labor, as long as the parts were bought on a commercial account. Do it yourself and buy the tools you need. You'd be surprised how much you will use a tool if you have it. it will pay for itself in no time. Ball joint press and pickle fork are the only specialty tools you will need. Give yourself plenty of time and use a Chiltons manual to get any torque specs and tips. Something else worth its weight in gold, a Chiltons manual. I've used the same one for more than 30 years. I think it's a 1970-1987 Chevrolet truck manual.

[zimmm]

quick list.....
Ball joint press- press LBJ in/out of control arm
Pickle fork - separate bj and tie rods
Jack stands
BFH
Floor jack - support LCA when separating spindle from BJ's if not using an internal spring compressor

[tim_mc]

I agree with letting the shop buy the parts, however you can ask what brand they will use and get an estimate to make sure they're not marking up the parts too much. I prefer Moog parts on the steering, but there may be other good names to use as well. RockAuto can give you a quick idea on the parts costs, however you may need to include a 10-20% markup that the local suppliers may charge. RockAuto carries Moog, ACDelco and a few others.

[LS short box]

So my.02.
If you are replacing the basics like tie rod ends a couple of sharp hits with a mechanics hammer should drop them out. Same with the ball joints from the control arms. Put a chain of some type around spring so it doesn't get away from you.
Oreilly's has some no cost rental tools for installing ball joints. Along with a-arm bushing install tools.

[BC10]

Go with Moog parts if trying to keep things closer to stock. I'm very happy with the quality and performance. I got all 4 coil springs, upper and lower ball joints from Moog.

[68Gold/white]

I used to sell auto parts.
Had 2-3 shops, only used Moog, period, nothing else.
Had many shops that ALWAYS bought the cheapest stuff, always!

Buyer beware, a serious conversation with the shop is in line, however you get the job done!

[67C10Step]

Wish you were closer, I’d let you borrow some tools. That usually comes with a hand from me as well. ��

I did this on my 67 last year and replaced all wear parts. Ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm, cross shafts/bushings and springs. Mine took me a good while because I was stripping and refinishing everything at the same time. If you are not doing all that a couple hands, tools, and a weekend of time should knocking out.

[seafoam68]

I would recommend Moog parts. A little more expensive, but you get what you pay for. I did mine myself with a 12 ton shop press ($150). I already had all the other tools. As stated,a pickle fork and a pitman arm remover. As said, you can rent those for free from parts stores. One of the best purchases I ever made was a pickle fork that went into a air chisel. Just place it and hit trigger and bam, separated. Don't forget about springs being under pressure when you remove everything. When you are putting back together place spring in and simply Jack lower a arm up into place,making sure spring doesn't move out of place. There are indents in a arm where the end of the spring sits. If you do any kind of mechanical work you will find that you will use the press for other things down the road. Good luck.