$Front axle leak/$teering problems--Long post

[HomerDog]

I'm getting frustrated with the "rest" of the truck. My engine is great. Woke up to a pool of fluid on the Rt front axle. Got my service manual out and determined it was probably a simple seal, but it was really leaking and I didn't want to mess with it. I took it to my 5 star DC dealer who "diagnoised" the same thing. I figured while I was there i would have them inspect my steering since it was a little sloppy. The damage:



$306 to replace a $7. 95 seal. However, while they are replacing the seal they call and tell me a u-joint is bad and they can't fix it unless I buy a new one... . $170. Total price for a $7. 95 seal: $500!! (ouch) I feel like I was taken to the cleaners.....



For the steering "inspection"--I told them to forget it but to write an estimate listing what is bad hoping I can buy better parts (like the track bar) and do some of the work myself. I have access to a lift, air tools, etc.



Stabilizer links X 2 ($72. 61 each)

Track Bar ($277--wow)

Drag link ($102)

Tie Rod ($238. 00)

allignment ($50)



with labor, etc, etc, etc, $$$1600$$



Questions are: Can I buy some of these parts and do the work myself? Do I buy them through DC or elsewere? The truck drives straight, just a little sloppy in the steering. I'll be buying parts when I can and do the work first week of August when I have help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Sorry about the long post, I'm frustrated and venting.....



Dave

 

[LSMITH]

If you have never done a front axle seal on one of these trucks I can tell you that $300 is not bad at all. In fact I will pay someone to do mine if it needs it again. You can get all the front end parts you need locally and they will be a lot cheaper than DC prices. Replacing all of the components you listed is not too bad. See if you can borrow a tie rod fork attachment for an air hammer from someone, it will take a lot of work out of the job. Good luck with the repairs.



PS: Was it the drivers side axle U-joint that needed replaced? Most if not all of them you strip the axle not threads getting the not off making the stub axle unusable.

 

[BillGotthelf]

My front pass side axle seal went and not wanting to fool with it I let my dealer repair. Well the axle was pitted in the seal area (truck doesn't go in water other than rain) and $1100 later the seal was fixed.

 

[illflem]

I along with many other members here have had the front axle leak and have let it go, 90% of the time it heals itself. I still have the $7. 95 seal that I was going to replace behind my seat, three years later and no leak.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Homer,



The price you paid to have your front axle seal repaired is not bad. Its a PAIN IN THE AZZ job.



The Stabilizer links X 2 ($72. 61 each) . I Think they might be taking about these? (below):





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They must be bent or worn to need to be replaced. If they are taking about the rubber bushings on the end links, upgrade them to Polyurethane. Along with the bar mounts on the frame. Try Napa, Acme and the discount auto parts chain stores for different prices. You can get them Much cheaper than the dealer. Ask for Mood replacement parts if possible.



The Tie rod, and drag link probably need to be replaced because of the non-servicable ball joint in each is worn and has play. Unless your have been in an accident. The same goes for the track bar. A ball joint on the tie rod and drag link are replaceable. No sence replacing just one though.



You can get these steering parts at Napa, Acme, Carquest ect. They probably will come with a lifetime warranty. You should be able to find prices much lower than the dealer. I know the T-Bar w/ lifetime warranty from NAPA is $189.



Another option is Lukes Links. I have not tried these personally yet, but he has the rebuild kits for all your worn tie rod ball joints, the drag link ball joints and the track bar. No need to purchase a new complete steering parts. Just rebuild the old to STRONGER than new. (Lukes rebuild kits look bulletproof). I don't know the pricing of Lukes links. If its 40 bucks? a kit, you can rebuild all your steering joints for 200 bananas. Thats darn good.





Lukes link Homepage: http://www.lukeslink.com/





See below:... . note R. H Connecting Tie Rod = Drag Link



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Replacing these parts is not hard. Especialy with the tools you have access to. A tie rod end puller is needed. Its a full Saturday though. I'm not sure how tough it is the rebuild the ball joints with Lukes Links. I does not look that bad.



I would look closer at the parts the dealer says you need to have replaced. He might just be trying to sell you parts you don't need. Get a second opinion if you are not sure.



You may be able to repair everything for 1/3 of what the dealer wants. Maybe.



Let us know what you do.

 

[HomerDog]

Guys,

Thanks for the help, especially Hemi. I'll be replacing all of those front end parts when I have a knowledgeable person out here in Aug (my brother-in-law). I'll let everyone know how the job goes. Just seems to me that a guy can straighten out his steering for less than $1600. Again, thanks for the help... .



Dave

 

[John_P]

Homer Dog:



I just got done replacing EVERYTHING you listed on my truck

less than one month ago! And you are right, it was expensive!

I also had to replace the steering shaft at the tune of $250. 00,

but I went with the "Borgeson" which is much "beefier" than

the stock unit.



As "HEMI" already told you, NAPA is the best place to get

the track bar and the ball joints. They do guarantee them

for the life of the vehicle. I think they are much heavier

units too.



You will notice a HUGE difference in the way your truck

steers when all that stuff is replaced! I could not believe

how "wore out" my parts were! The truck steers and

tracks very good now! It is much more "sensitive" than

before.



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John_P