timster
New Reader
10/12/20 5:27 p.m.
Looking to buy a 2wd first gen S10/S15/Sonoma. Had several of the truck/suv first gen types years ago when they were just run of the mill used vehicles, band always had a soft spot for them. I started looking for one as a weekend project to tinker on. After missing out on several, and test driving a few that were thrashed, finally found a decent one at a reasonable price. Front end was a little loose feeling though. Haven't bought it yet, but thinking I will.
Question, what all tend to go on the front end of these? The front shocks seemed a little worn, so that's a no brainer to fix. Going from memory, but seems like the rag joint is something else to check. what else needs checked out, guessing idler arm, ball joints. What else am I missing?
My experience: tie rods and pitman wear pretty quick. Also, the bix has some adjustment in it if theres too much slop there.
Really, its a matter of jacking it up.and checking for play. If its all tight, its probably the box or rag joint.
RevRico
UltimaDork
10/12/20 6:05 p.m.
My 4wd ATE tie rods and ends. Like a set every oil change.
Rag joint where the steering shaft connects to the steering box goes to heck. Replace with a Dorman refurb part, or better yet the entire lower shaft with a u joint type from a Cherokee. Other than that, tie rod ends and tbe aforementioned pitman arm thingy.
Lower ball joints will lose their press fit in the control arm. LCA bushings get worn and make the truck wander.
It's an old-school (non-Rack-and-peanut) steering system so the components that wear out and cause problems are:
Inner Tier rod ends, Outer tie rod ends, Idler arm, lower ball joints, upper ball joints, rag joint, steering gear/box, control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, sway bar end links, shocks, springs. In other words: all of them. I might have missed one or two, though ;)
They're probably not all bad at once...but I guarantee replacing it all at once will make a WORLD of difference ;)
Amatuer tip: if you have the lower control arms out, it's a good time to replace engine mounts.
