Things to fix before an alignment.

[sandmann999]

Took my Bronco in to the alignment shop a few days ago and they gave me a list of things that needed to be fixed before I could get an alignment (minus the shocks and driveshaft).

Which of these projects should I be able to do myself with standard tools, and which ones should I let a shop do? Secondly, where is the best place to get replacement parts?

Attached is a copy of the service sheet.

Thanks for any and all input.

 

[jkdillard]

Can't see your list very clearly.

 

[sandmann999]

Can't see your list very clearly.

20117[/snapback]

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The picture is full sized, you might just need to zoom up on it. If it opens in internet explorer, just hold your mouse over it for a moment or two and wait for the *********** button to appear in the bottom right corner.

 

[EB Bronco]

It depends on if you ever want to learn how to do the work. If it's not your daily driver and you can afford to have it sit for a few days try as much as you can. Do you have a friend that does auto work at all. I changed out my balljoints, tie rod ends and u-joints about a year ago and had no clue what I was doing. I just had a friend that told me that if I got into trouble he would come over and give me a hand. Tools that you don't have you can borrow from autozone or Murrays or whatever auto parts place you have. I put greasable, life time warranteed ball joints on the Bronco because I don't want to go through that again. )

Roger

 

[Broncoholics]

WOW What a price! I hope thats installed line item prices. I would think so. Its crazy to see that things add up like that. Most things you can do is replace all tie-rods (half price). Count how many revolutions you unscrew each and same amount when re-install. If you don't have a pickle fork to remove use pressure on the tie-rod end (on bolt with jack) hit the side of the knuckle where the rod goes into it and a few whacks it will pop out.

The ball joints have to be pressed or hit hard with a hammer out to remove/ replace. Don't forget to take out the retainer clips first. The trac bar bushings should be repalced at frame end and axle end(cheap). Then you can get it aligned for $40. Radius arm bushings should hold up for a long time. Look yourself to see how they look. Maybe take some photos and send them to us so we can advise what to do.

The shocks will not effect the steering.

Check the steering shaft u-joint, rag joint near box and where it mounts to the frame for tightness.

 

[seawalkersee]

The radius arm bushings are probably bad cause of the year of the ride. The best way to do these is to cut the rivits out of the frame and replace them with bolts. If you dont have a press you will not be able to do your own ball joints. The press is like $130.00 (know cause I got one). The tie rod/adjusters are installed just as broncoholics said. I would not waste time on a pickle fork. Wack the crap out of the connecting point of the SPINDLE, not the nut or the rod end its self. I garontee if you hit the knuckle dead on three times it will lift out of the hole.

If your local to KCMO I could help but I would need advanced notice.

Chris

 

[sandmann999]

Thanks for all the input and info. Actually, I'm located in Moscow, Idaho (incase anyone is around here.) And have plenty of time to work on my Bronco. It's my main vehicle, but everywhere I need to go is within bike distance.

My problem is that I'm very savvy with engine parts and work (have turned my engine from a useless peice of metal into a smooth running machine), and am good with tools, but when it comes to underneath stuff, I'm just not sure what parts are what. If you can guide me as to where everything is, I'm sure I can fix it. Just not sure what it is when I'm looking at it. I'll dig through my chilton's manual and see if I can get some ideas, but pictures and/or guidance as to just what is what would be great (for those that have the time).

For the time being, where is the best place to order parts from so that I can do some price shopping?

Thanks again!

PS: I'll get under there tomorrow and take some pictures of everything.

 

[seawalkersee]

When you are talking about hard parts, tie rod ends, ball joints, drag links, etc., it doesnt much matter where you get them. Moog is a good aftermarket company that sells to Orilleys, Napa, and AutoZone (I think). You should have something comperable where you are. The tie rod ends connect the spindles to the steering box. Or they are the steering linkage. The ball joints go into the knuckle on the TTB beam. If you look at your suspension from in front of the wheel (looking towards the rear) you will see your ball joints. There will be one above the front axle and one below the axle right at the u-joint for the front 4x4. The radius arm bushings are directly under your feet when you are driving. They are rubber and connect the Radius arm to the frame. They have a BIG nut on the ene of them.

Chris