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

[scottybaccus]

Shop RockAuto.com
You can choose from several brands. Most popular are indicated. AC Delco is OE GM stuff.

[69gmcc10]

I have had good luck with Moog parts and recommend them for suspension components and for shocks monroe sens-a-tracks seem to ride well and be in the middle of the price range. I also use rockauto.com

In order to check what parts need to be swapped lift the front of the truck off the ground and try and wiggle the vertically and horizontally. if you get a wobble when pushing and pulling on the top and bottom of the tire you need to further inspect weather the wiggle is from the upper or lower ball joint or the upper or lower a arm bushing. If you are selling it soonish, it is easiest to just buy a new arm with the ball joint and the bushing already assembled. If the tire has wiggle left to right it could be the tierod ends or the pitman or idler arm or all thee above. have someone turn the wheel on the ground while you are under the truck looking where the slack is. With that many miles I would bet you need new inner and outer tierods and shocks, quick and easy job, but there is no reason to spend $$ on parts that dont need replacing .

I just did this, but I wish I would have done the pitman and idler arm as well, but I didnt inspect the steering with someone behind the wheel turning from slack to slack to find all of the culprits.

Remember that the first drive you make after replacing any of those part should be to the alignment shop.

Good luck!

[saulgoode]

Oh I have up and done it now!

Got the truck up and the tie rods inner and outer are in major need of replacement!

The outer came out pretty easy needed a fork to pop it out though. That is when the real fun started.

First, I noticed the accordian boot is starting to separate at the seam. Is this a deal breaker or can I get away with a cracked boot for a while?

Second, the universal inner tie puller I borrowed from O'Reilly does not fit! It's a hair too big and just round off. I can get a wretch on it, but it won't budge!

Can anyone confirm this is standard thread? For example if I am working on drivers side and facing the truck I would be turning the counter clock wise. Starting at 6 o'clock the wrench would go (right) towards the bed 3 o'clock would be pointing toward rear bumper, 12 o'clock up and 9 o'clock toward engine? Sorry to be so technical I really can't believe this thing is so snug!


Third there is a pink plastic (bushing ??) that is unexpected, it's cracked and sitting in space behind inner tie rod.

Fourth, There is a little play in the shaft from the rack arm that the tie rod attaches too. Is this normal, should I worry?

Any and all advice is appreciate! Sorry to be so wordy this is my daily driver and I need to get it road worthy ASAP! (worst case I can put everything back on and limp it to a shop but I think I can still get this)

Thanks!

[saulgoode]

Update:

I was able to get replacement factory like boots from the parts store tonight.

I was also able to pick up this little gem for the inner replacement. This looks like my only shot (without pipe wrench). I doubt I can get enough torque to turn but will give it a shot at least.

Can anyone confirm if this a standard or reverse thread?

Thanks much!

[saulgoode]

All is well now! That universal tool was well worth the 20.00. That and a 4 foot breaker bar did the trick. The drivers side was a real bear.

If doing again I pick up 2 replacement dust boots and be done with it rather than trying to re-use the factory ones.

Realized the pink plastic part was a factory tie rod dust boot. Went to a couple parts houses and no one carried them. I was worried it was part of the rack that had worked it's way out, as when I pulled the boot is wasn't on the rod but just cracked and loose by the rack. I assume these are factory pressed on and put the rods on without replacing.

There is a little play in the arm out of he rack on the drivers side. Any thoughts if a little (1/8 or less) is ok, or should I or have this addressed?

Thanks everybody!

[69gmcc10]

nice to see you got this taken care of. I think the little bit of slack in the system is really up to how OCD you are. I would keep a mental note that someday I need to do something about it and keep an eye on it.

[NGN]

saulgoode thanks for your posting , I also have and 06 with 125,000 miles , this is helpful
Thanks Nick