Needed? Front End Rebuild

[Tmwoodall]

So while I have my truck down to a rolling chasis I was contemplating rebuilding the front suspension. Problem is I have never had the truck on the road. So for all I know the front end could have 1k miles on it. Is there a way I can visually or otherwise determine if I should invest the time and cash into new tie rods, ball joints, etc?

Any and all tips/input are much appreciated.

[ya it is a classic]

well since u got it down to the bare chasis already i would say its a good time to go with all new upgraded suspension. what are u going to be using the truck for? are you keeping it stock or building it for a daily driver? im definatly not an expert but you can look at the ball joints after you jack up the front end and turn the tires all the say to one side and see if the rubber boot is cracked and that will tell you if they are old and worn out atleast. and tie rods you can try to move them back and forth and see if there is any play in them. and while ur at this stage you could upgrade the front brakes to discs if there drums now. also what pickup do you have and mabey post up some pics if you have any...we love pics!

[Tmwoodall]

The frame is 72 with front discs and power steering. I already installed the ece 2/4 drop kit. This will be an aggressive semi daily driver. I'll check the tie rods for Play.

Any other tips?
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[Spoof]

The chassis manual gives specs on the amount of play acceptable on ball joints, if you have one ( if not, order one, they're a great shop manual)
All in you're looking at idler arm, pitman arm, control arm, dogbone/arm bushings, tie rods etc. It's expensive, but obviously well worth it.
If you're a young man starting out your probably not going to want to drop over a grand on the front end when you haven't even bought rims yet...but it will add more to your driving pleasure than anything else, and it will give you an enduring feeling that your truck is built on a solid foundation. Kinda like that feeling when you've just changed the oil...but permanent.
If you think you might just flog it a few years, maybe go for some new rims

[VA72C10]

I'd recommend taking to a shop that does free inspections and that will agree to give the old parts for you to inspect if swapped. They are going to be in the business to sell you parts, but if some of it is good and they don't recommend replacing you will save some coin. If you can do it yourself, just have them check it and make recommendations.

[Tmwoodall]

Originally Posted by Spoof

The chassis manual gives specs on the amount of play acceptable on ball joints, if you have one ( if not, order one, they're a great shop manual)
All in you're looking at idler arm, pitman arm, control arm, dogbone/arm bushings, tie rods etc. It's expensive, but obviously well worth it.
If you're a young man starting out your probably not going to want to drop over a grand on the front end when you haven't even bought rims yet...but it will add more to your driving pleasure than anything else, and it will give you an enduring feeling that your truck is built on a solid foundation. Kinda like that feeling when you've just changed the oil...but permanent.
If you think you might just flog it a few years, maybe go for some new rims

Thanks I'll check that out.

To the following post, I do plan to do this myself and I don't have readily available trailer access so taking it to the shop would be quite the undertaking. I am going to go tinker with it tonight.

[cdowns]

if you look at top ball joints if they are rivited in place they are originals if bolted in place they'vee been replaced at some time// that's a good rough eyeball estimate of prior upkeep

[Tmwoodall]

Originally Posted by cdowns

if you look at top ball joints if they are rivited in place they are originals if bolted in place they'vee been replaced at some time// that's a good rough eyeball estimate of prior upkeep

Good tip. I'll assume if they are riveted that it is time for a replacement. I don't want to spend a year building this up only to get it on the road and find it loose and sloppy upfront.

[stich626]

bepends on your budget..
even bolted in ball joints can be 30 years old..
i'd look it all over.. and me myself would replace the balljoints now if there is any question.
tierods /etc are easy to replace later..
once you take it to be lined up. they'll tell you whats loose..
but you ARE down to a bare frame..
it might be the best time to look at the a arm bushings/balljoints
better question is Did the truck look like it was mantained correctly before you got it
if yes, it's more than likely safe to bet on the parts under there to be ok.
if not.. well

[Tmwoodall]

Originally Posted by stich626

bepends on your budget..
even bolted in ball joints can be 30 years old..
i'd look it all over.. and me myself would replace the balljoints now if there is any question.
tierods /etc are easy to replace later..
once you take it to be lined up. they'll tell you whats loose..
but you ARE down to a bare frame..
it might be the best time to look at the a arm bushings/balljoints
better question is Did the truck look like it was mantained correctly before you got it
if yes, it's more than likely safe to bet on the parts under there to be ok.
if not.. well

Truck had been rearended, so the frame was from a donor. The cab and front clip i got were in PRISTINE shape. In hindsight it was a shame I decided to not keep it totally stock.

The frame too had CLEARLY been "painted to sell" it look really nice but, paint had been sprayed straight over thick layers of grease, grime and dirt. So hard to say. I think I may just take some time and really inspect it. I plan to spend a month or two driving it before it goes to paint, so if it is sloppy I can always rebuild it when the clip coms back off for paint.

[Tmwoodall]

So I clearly need to get further into things. Visually it looks good, bolt on ball joints, seals all seem sealed, and the rubber is all in tact.