Front suspension OEM endlinks - has anyone replaced them because of wearout?

[21st Century Truck]

I am switching out my front shocks for the Eibach shocks. I did the rear shocks last week and the difference was immediate. FYI I am keeping the OEM springs throughout and not lifting or lowering anything.

Question: did anyone here replace the front endlinks? When replacing, were the endlink joints noticeably worn? If so, what was the mileage?

My truck has 78 thousand miles now, and the rear OEM shocks were completely worn out... just junk for the junk bin. I know one of the front shocks is leaking oil, so it's definitely time to replace OEM shocks all around with better quality shocks.

When I take the front strut assemblies out, I'll disconnect the top of both endlinks anyway... hence my title question. I'm trying to decide whether to order new aftermarket endlinks (likely ICON) before I start the job.

Separately, I'm also wondering whether to replace the UCA ball joints as well, except MOOG and ICON don't specify UCA ball joints for our Lightnings yet.

Thanks in advance.

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[RLXXI]

I am switching out my front shocks for the Eibach shocks. I did the rear shocks last week and the difference was immediate. FYI I am keeping the OEM springs throughout and not lifting or lowering anything.

Question: did anyone here replace the front endlinks? When replacing, were the endlink joints noticeably worn? If so, what was the mileage?

My truck has 78 thousand miles now, and the rear OEM shocks were completely worn out... just junk for the junk bin. I know one of the front shocks is leaking oil, so it's definitely time to replace OEM shocks all around with better quality shocks.

When I take the front strut assemblies out, I'll disconnect the top of both endlinks anyway... hence my title question. I'm trying to decide whether to order new aftermarket endlinks (likely ICON) before I start the job.

Separately, I'm also wondering whether to replace the UCA ball joints as well, except MOOG and ICON don't specify UCA ball joints for our Lightnings yet.

Thanks in advance.

Considering the mileage and state of disconnect for the other job, I'd replace them. As far as ball joints go, I think you have to replace the entire upper control arm. Lower bj's can be replaced separately.

 

[Henry Ford]

Just order the extra parts and return them if you decide they aren't needed.

 

[Heliian]

Funny, just in the shop right now for an alignment and the ucas were found worn and require replacement before I can get an alignment. Parts are on order. 90000kms. Nothing overly noticeable driving.

 

[21st Century Truck]

Funny, just in the shop right now for an alignment and the ucas were found worn and require replacement before I can get an alignment. Parts are on order. 90000kms. Nothing overly noticeable driving.

Good to know. FYI I just ordered the SPC UCAs because of their very good quality included ball joint. I figured it's easier to replace the whole kit than to futz around with dislodging the old ball joint tapers, etc.

 

[Heliian]

SPC UCAs because of their very good quality included ball joint.

The Ford ones lasted pretty well considering the state of some roads I travel on regularly, my offset rims probably didn't help either but I've switched back to the originals now.

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