Well guys the front end is done! New monroe struts, moog sway bar links, moog tie rod ends, rotors, and ceramic pads. Just scheduled an alignment and new tires for tuesday. Decided to go with the new Cooper AT3's. Great looking tire and every review I've read on them was great. I'll post up pics when its all done... just wish I would have thought ahead and bought the leveling kit, cuz after the hell that was replacing the struts, they're not coming back out!

Anyone have any experience with the Coopers?

And thanks to the ones of you that answered my questions, your advice made the strut replacement a lot easier!

 

at least you know now the front end is the least of your worries going forward... I, too, am getting the AT3's. Those are a very nice looking tire IMO. I'm going to be getting 265/70-17 (I have a 2" leveling kit) and its right around $760 out the door.

 

The cooper at3 tires were featured in trucktrends most recent magazine, they were ranked best as far as road handling and dealing with off road terrain. Good purchase imo.

 

Yeah for some reason the size I got, 245 75 16, is a lot cheaper than sizes both smaller and larger. $530 out the door is the price I got, add in alignment and I'm looking at right around 6. They looked great online, then when I walked in the shop they had them on display, and after seeing them in person I was sold. Like I said I researched them quite a bit and everything I found was very positive both on the road and off. Even found a couple videos on youtube and I think I'm going to be very happy with with them. Not long after I ordered them I saw them on a F-150 and they looked as good on the truck as they did in the showroom.

Next is a new window motor, my drivers side has been weak since I bought it 3 and a half years ago. Now it decides which days it wants to operate. When I order that I think I'm going to go ahead with the monroes for the back as well, just something mentally about having everything match.

Have to say, working on the truck has been kind of like football practice in high school. It was hell while you were doing it, but afterwards you can't wait to do it again. Have been scanning rock auto and several off road websites for everything I can find... I think I've found a new hobby... Just what my wife doesnt want to hear!

 

u replaced all this stuff yourself?

 

Wow the only thing that can go wrong in the front now is your wheel bearing. Nice to have the piece of mind that everything is new.

 

Yes I did. Yes I am proud... first automotive work I've ever done besides oil changes, and from what I understand that strut job isn't an easy one.

 

Addictive ain't it?

I had to start a spreadsheet to keep track of all I want to do...

Lucky me my wife likes most of my plans.

 

Well guys I ran into a snag this week. Took the truck in tuesday for the new tires and alignment and upon inspection the lower ball joints also needed to be replaced. They went ahead and put the new tires on and I headed to the parts store. Got the new ball joints in, and the alignment done yesterday. It drives like a dream.

Final tally: 4 new Cooper AT3 245 75 16 tires, tires balanced, wheels aligned, two new moog outer tie rod ends, two new moog lower ball joints, two new moog sway bar links, two new monroe struts, two new rotors, and two new sets of ceramic brake pads. Topped it all off with a nice bath last night and a ride down the bypass and up the roads in town to see how she felt and gloat.

Now I have ran into another snag, I was going to take pics and post em up, especially so everyone could see the new coopers, but the camera appears to have grown legs and walked off. So as soon as it decides to come home, pics will be up.

Now the dak is calling again, it wants fresh oil... so I'm out!

 

And yes it's addicting... Next project is go ahead and put monroes on the back. Also considering taking out the headlights and turning them into night runners, found a great link on how to do it yourself... think they will really pop on the silver truck.

Does anyone know where I can get factory decals from? My truck is 4x4, but has no decals at all. Just want the black factory 4x4 decals that go above the rear tires.