Parts source for front end

[JeffL]

Hey guys, I am looking for a good parts source for front end parts for my 03 3500 srw 4x4. I need new tie rod ends, axle joints, ball joints, probably bearings, just figure might as well do it all while I have it apart. Been looking for a few days, but just want to make sure I use a reputable company that sells good quality parts for a good price. Thanks in advance.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Ouch Jeff, that makes my wallet hurt to think about it!

Are you planning on doing the 08+ upgrade?

 

[JeffL]

Not familiar with the 08 upgrade. Do the 08s have better bearings? Was thinking of converting to the manual hubs that ford uses , but that's pretty expensive too. Yeah it's going to put a dent in the wallet, but hopefully it's good for a long time afterwards. Thanks

 

[JeffL]

I've also been reading about greasing the bearings through the abs. How is this done, and what is it greasing.

 

[JBallou]

Well, lets see, wheel bearings are greased thru the hole where the ABS sensor is located. Remove the sensor, use grease gun to squirt grease in hole that is shared with wheel bearings.

Use what ever your favorite grease is, don't forget to rotate the hub while greasing it. Get more in that way.

 

[rscurtis]

If you're planning to keep the truck (you have the best CR IMO,) I would install one of the free spin kits available. You're going to have it apart anyway.

 

[AHofner]

Jeff,

I am also looking into the 2008 upgrade for my '03. From what I've read in this forum, it really beefs up the steering for the older models. Source Automotive has the kit with grease zerks installed for not much more than you can buy the kit from Mopar4less or other online parts dealers. Although someone could make the argument that grease zerks are overkill since my orignial front end components have lasted 140K miles; I probably won't have the truck at 280K.



Andrew

 

[CPittman]

JeffL - I did the same thing to my truck a year or so ago. Got all my front-end parts from RockAuto.com. You need to be a little careful on their site because of all the options. Here are some of the part numbers I bought:

Pitman arm tie rod end ES3624 Moog part $19. 10

Driver's side outer tie rod end ES3625 Moog part $37. 79

Passenger side outer tie rod DS1463 Moog part $70. 79

Front steering inner Driver's DS1464 Moog part $74. 79



I also did the Red Head Steering Gear replacement at the same time and installed the BD SBS stabilizer at that time too.

 

[cerberusiam]

Rock auto has as good of prices on quality pieces as you can find.



Forget the Moog junk ball joints, they have more problems than benefits. Look up the Raybestos Professional Grade units, they are made by McQuay Norris and much beefier.



You can stay with the Y type steering components if you like and Rock Auto has all them also though no HD versions.



The 2008. 5 systems use a t-type steering and get rid of some of the lack of road feel, and, they are beefier units if you use the truck hard. It helps some but the steering box is still part of the problem.