2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Lukes Link job

[Kalaehina]

Getting ready to do a rebuild with Lukes links (5 of them). Any tips from someone who's done this? Tools, advice? Anything I should be aware of or expect? I've never done any steering repairs so this is all very new to me, I don't even know how to remove the tie rod ends but I want to learn. What kind of grinder do I need to grind the end casings?, per the instructions. Also with the Lukes Links, are those rubber sleeves still needed? Do I need to get new ones? Did anyone replace their front sway bay joints also? Sorry so many questions, but I know this is the place to get them answered. Thanks!

 

[Kalaehina]

Oh yah, does the truck need to be jacked up at any time?

 

[FFutch]

I just did my track bar...

... It's not too bad of a job. Tools you need are,1-a ball joint and tie rod seperator,2-a hand-held grinder(a bench grinder will work,but not as good),3-a come-a-long,4-a BFH(Big freakin hammer),5-a cold beer(optional). I only did the one end of the track bar,the bushing end looked good. It may help to jack at least one side up to make it easier to line the frame and the front axle back up when re-installing the track bar. Are you also doing the tie-rod ends?The links should have a good set of instructions with them,with illustrations. Good luck... Doug

 

[FFutch]

Oh yea...

... the new links should come with new rubber seals.

 

[Shooter]

just have someone turn the steering wheel when replacing the track bar. This will shift the truck l or r to line the ball stud back up. No jacks or comealongs needed. Harbor Freight has a 4 1/2" grinder on sale for about $17. 97. Will do everything you need to do and still keep on working. I have been through 5 or 6 grinding wheels and its doing just fine. It comes with a grinding wheel so you don't need to by any right away. They are about $1. 29 for the name brands and $. 99 for generics. The hard part is getting the trac bar ballstud loose, the rest will be easy with a tie rod pickle fork and a bfh.



Have fun

 

[Kalaehina]

All right, feeling more and more confident about this. Great!