Sounds good, I'll be sure to check into it and let you guys know.

 

i would look into some aftermarket control arms and bushings. check out http://www.topguncustomz.com
or http://www.energysuspension.com

 

nim81, thanks for the link! Only $239 for all four links in custom lengths, sweet deal! I think I'll order some to recenter the wheel in the opening as I have a leveling kit.

 

A guy told me about two other sites that have good control arms... I don't know how to put the link on here, but it's Kore suspensions, and Thuren suspensions. Great Equipment!! :-) They have rebuildable and greasable parts.

 

Yep, both have very solid reputations...

 

Check the u-joints on both drive lines too, if they didn't do it at the shop. I replaced all 5 of mine at around that mileage. If you do have any bad ones, Federal Mogul makes some greasable ones, the "super strength" ones have grease fittings in the end caps.

 

Got the same clunking and thunking at 104K on the odometer of my 2004.5 2500. It's a combination of not only the control arms, but the ball joints, u-joints, trackbar and tierod ends and possibly the wheel bearings.

Mine started to go bad at around 40K, but I was too mad and stubborn to believe a "heavy duty" truck would wear out that quick.

Now I've more or less accepted it after just driving it up to this point. So, this summer I will be rebuilding the front end.

I decided that since I'm not planning on getting rid of the truck I'm going to spend the $$ for good parts.

Carli makes some monster ball joints, supposedly never have to replace them again. At $550 a pair for uppers and $550 for the lowers, I hope not.

The Thuren track bar will be going in as well. Heim joint at the axle and hard bushing at the top. $339.

I looked at the Thuren control arms but they are $700. Since I don't offroad heavily or seriously, I am considering a Tuff Country 6" lift for $750 (includes new control arms) instead for the look. I dunno, well see.

I also want the Thuren heavy duty steering kit ($479), but I need to find out if the stock 17" wheels will clear the extra 1.5" tall nut on the passenger side tierod end. I'm not going to be able to afford new wheels in this deal too.

I'll be shopping for new tires this summer as I made the mistake of putting on Nitto Terra Grapplers this past summer. 18K miles and they're almost bald. Soo, if I do go with the lift I can throw on some bigger tires.

BD Diesel has a steering brace that will be going on also. It spans the frame at the front with a bracket for the steering box. Supposed to really firm up the steering by eliminating frame flex around the steering box.

I need to see if the steering box is still in good shape after doing the bearing preload adjustment. If not, then a Redhead steering box goes in.

And lastly replacement of all 6 u-joints with Spicer heavy duties.

Damn thing better drive and ride better than new after all that, lol.