Front End Replacement

[1998hoe]

Looking for any tips and advice anyone can offer, much appreciated.

I got a 1998 2 dr tahoe. It's giving me some wheel play when i brake. I got some New Kumho M/T's on it, and while they mounted them the shop also gave me an estimate of $1,000 smackaroonies for my front end. They basically want to replace my front end: pitman arm, sway bar, control arms, etc. I'm a mechanical engineer major , and i've done everything on my truck except rebuild the 4l60e. So i wanna give it a go, but i got a couple of questions.

1. Do i need any special tools?
2. I was told the parts only have 1/16th of an inch of space to move. To acquire this do i need a tool or will tightening the bolts real nice take care of it?
3. Any estimate on how much time this usually takes would be nice, its my daily driver.
4. Would it be best to do it all at once?

I'm open to any suggestions. thanks.

 

[retorq]

They actually said you needed a new swaybar?? They saw you coming ...

While it's not had to replace everything setting toe, caster and camber will need to be done with special tools by a professional. If you are just swapping inner and outer ends, center link, etc all you need is a pickle fork and arm puller. If you are swapping ball joints you will need a press. You didn't mention if this is a 2wd or 4wd.

 

[BWdiver]

Get yourself a repair manual also. theres a lot of info in there like TQ values and so on.

 

[faze]

It depends on what you plan to do. If you get a manual, I like the chilton one better. I'm starting my front end this week ... a-arm bushings, pitman, ball joints and tie rods .... and bought about 400 dollars in special tools beyond my already pretty well stocked tool box.

I doubt you need control arms...it's probably the bushings and you can buy them.

I doubt you need a centre link unless it's bent or the holes are out of round. Unless one of the bolts is loose, rather than the ball, I don't think you can tell if the holes in the centre link are out of round without taking it apart.