97 k2500

[djheinz]

Hello all, new to the group. Replacing my steering linkage... both tie rods, drag link, pitman and idler arm. I'm doing upper and lower ball joints and I recently replaced my front rotors.
My question is the sequence I should reassemble/torque the components. My approach is doing the ball joints incl. Torque. Then move to the tie rods, next the pitman, idler and carrier next. Sound logical?
Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it. I had an 06 ram 1500, but wasn't happy with its light duty abilities. Migrated to gmc 2500 for more durability...

 

[MrMarty51]

Welcome to the forum DJ.
Seems You probably have the process in the right order.
I borrowed the lower Ball Joint remover/installer tool from Oriellys but could not figure how it functioned.
Put a block under the lower control arm and lowered it down on that to make it solid. Took a hammer, about 3 pounds, then beat the joints out if the LC arm.
Getting the new ones installed was about the same except used a piece of pipe on the ball joint and put the weight of the vehicle on the pipe and the ball joint, pounded on the LC arm to get the BJ pounded back in. A little tricky getting it into alignment with the bore.
Others will chime in with a better solution.

 

[dbrannon79]

Welcome! While you have it apart, if you don't already have them, you might look into swapping out the lower control arms for some forged ones.

 

[jrsavoie]

Welcome! While you have it apart, if you don't already have them, you might look into swapping out the lower control arms for some forged ones.

Where does one find forged lower control arms?