Welp, looks like i'll ALSO have to replace the upper control arm bushings on both sides, and both sets of ball-joints. I have NOT checked out the lower control arm bushings yet. On all of my previous RWD vehicles and my wife's 2 aerostar vans, it was common for the upper arm bushings to fail LONG before he lower. Has that been common experience with these trucks, as well?

Also, as for the ball joints, when I look up the parts, I see both a press-fit and a thread-in for the lower. Are they interchangable?

Wow, this truck turned out to not be the good priced bargain it appeared to be. It drives good, and seems to run good, trans shofts fine - but with the cooling system issues (Rear block freeze plugs), the lower oil pressure, and now THIS - When I bought it, I knew it needed tires, and shocks. The seller was driving it regularly 100 miles round trip each day, from out of town.

ARGH!

 

I felt the same way after I bought my truck but, I look at it this way, no matter what little amount of work I have to do, it's still better than a car payment and higher insurance.

 

While you are in the area check the rack to make sure it is not seperating from the frame. there was a recall many years ago but my 90 missed it and the rack came loose.

 

As far as the rack coming loose, are you saying, like, the rack mount bushings? What was the CASUE of the rack coming loose from the frame?

Mine is a 91 - was it also afected by this recall?

 

It actually rips away from the frame. Just put a wrench on the two bolts and make sure they are tight. If they turn more than 1/2 turn then look further to make sure it is not seperating. The fix is to weld a metal block to the back side of the frame to beef it up. The cause is a weak spot in the frame and bumpy roads over time tare it up. i would assume if the problem was on the 90 then 91 most likely also? You might be ok but check anway...
http://www.autobuyguide.com/1991/12-...lls/index.html

 

Thanks for that link - according to it, the 91 was NOT affected by the weak link on the frame. I will double check those bolts, though, to be certain...

 

i need to replace the upper and lower ball joints on my truck too and my upper control arm bushings are shot and since they are pressed in i guess it would just be easier to buy a loaded(ball joint installed) upper control arm from oreilys and then get the lowers done when i get the alignment done (dont know how to do them myself lol ironic cause i used to work at brake check lmfao)