2006 2wd 1500 front end freshen up questions

[saulgoode]

Hey folks!

I have a 2006 Silverado 2wd with 180,000 miles. EVERYTHING is stock in the front end except for one new wheel bearing at around 150k.

As expected with this kind of milage the steering is very sloppy and needs attention. At a minimum I want to do the tie rods (complete inner and outer) and new shocks.

I have done a fair amount of research on doing to tie rods and it looks very straight forward until I realized all the videos were on 4x4. After inspecting what I have, mine have the accordion boots and as I can tell need a special tool to remove. My parts store will loan me the tool so I think I'm in business.

Couple of questions:

1. Does anyone have a preferred manufacturer, or is there one to stay away from? I have a lot of selection form cheap to wow at my supplier. I am planning in selling this truck some what soon so no need for super high end here.

2. Not sure about the ball joints, and they seem more involved (esp the lower ) than I want to get into. Also, I don't know how to tell if they need to be replaced. Since I'm diving into the rods and shocks should I do the works ball joints and arm bushings?

3. Any other recommendations to change while I have everything apart? Or tips?

Thanks!
SG