Front end rebuild

[btoscano]

My 1990 D250 4x2 single cab needs front end work. The brake master cylinder has been dripping onto the frame since the PO had the truck and "disappeared" the upper control arm bushing rubber.



In looking for parts on here, and online, I see references to different "axles" e. g. 4000# & and wheelbases. Does the "diesel" take the bigger parts anyway?



I searched online and see parts mentioned, but the owners have 1-ton's or crew cabs... not sure if I use the same parts?



Thanks,

Brian

 

[cerberusiam]

Your best bet is to make sure what axle you have before ordering parts. The front and rear load numbers should be on a sticker on the b post driver side. If I remeber correctly the #4000 and up axles use the same ball joints with the lower being larger and the lighter axles use a smaller ball joint on the lower. Not sure about bushings but with correct axle weight they can be looked up. Moog makes all the parts so a good repair shop should be able to find the right pieces without hassle.

 

[Grey Wolf]

btoscano,



cerberusiam is right, on my son's '90 they asked what axle we had and that's how they know which bushings to order.

 

[btoscano]

My truck does not have a front axle - its 2wd, single cab. 8510 GVWR. So I should look at the door jam and read the weight ratings for front and use that as the "axle" rating?



-brian

 

[Grey Wolf]

Yes sir, my son's '90 is also 2wd.

 

[btoscano]

I appreciate the input.



Looking at the availalbe parts, there are "enhanced designs" and "problem solver kits". For the bushings, the standard kits say 2 req ($30. 39) , the problem solver says 1 req ($43. 08) ... why would the problem solver kit be cheaper and only require one? Should I opt for standard or "enhanced design" ?



From searching, it looks like the one BJ is pressed in, the other screwed in. References to Snap On tool and S-K. Difference is about $20 in price, but the sizes are different? S-K is 2-1/8" and Snap On lists Chrylser pick-ups at 2-9/64" ? Is this a tool that can be "rented" from AutoZone?



I have access to a 3/4" impact tool, shop press, etc. and plan to do all the work myself. I've done work on suspensions before, but that was on my diesel Mercedes. Just as Honda's look like they have toy parts compared to beefy Mercedes parts, the Mercedes looks like it has toy parts compared to the big Dodge parts!

 

[Grey Wolf]

I'm not sure about the two selections mentioned, my son went with the Energy Suspension products for his bushings. The ball joints on his truck were still good so he didn't get into ordered those.



As far as the tools are concerned, some rental yards used to carry suspension tools. I haven't had a need for any in a long time, so I don't know if they are still caring items like that?

 

[CDegner]

2 1/8" fits. I don't know why the Snap-On is 2 9/32". I have a 2 1/8" socket AND a spare set of ball joints. Just checked them last night to make sure it really fits. Believe it or not, I picked up a set of new MOOG ball joints (2 upper AND 2 lower) for under $50. That was a sweet deal! Don't know why the guy was selling so cheap (I think they were from a store closing. )



Carl

 

[btoscano]

Thanks for the info about the S-K 2-1/8" tool. So far it looks like:



Qty 2 K7082 Upper ball joint with 4000# axle

Qty 2 K7053T Lower ball joint 4000# axle (enhanced)

Qty 2 K7192 LCA bushing kit enhanced/problem solver

Qty 2 K7189 UCA bushing kit enhanced/problem solver

Qty 4 K8243A Cam bolt bushing kits



Thanks,

Brian

 

[RobbieH]

Help, which axle do I have, the door sticker says something about 3800 GAVR or something like that.



Acually I'm asking for a friend and he's translating what he read to me.

 

[btoscano]

First gen trucks need parts for 4000# axles. Its confusing at first, I know, but they are the right ones.