where to start???

[GMOWESME$]

Still paying off my 2 door, working for the baby now so my hoe gets secondary treatment. I have to do upper balljoints to pass insp so should I do lower as well.?? Have a freind says he can do the uppers, researched and I think we can handle it. Other than neccessary repairs what should I do to get many years of life from this beast. I have yet to do the fuel pump which I am told is 500+ at any shop. Where should I spend any extra money or should I save for the rainy day when the FP goes?

98 2dr 4wd LT 114K Cooper's & A/V EQ
ITS NOT A CLUNKER

 

[Bad bow tie]

First of all welcome to the forum.

The ball joints are a ***** and a half to do. They are press in type. It took me and a buddy about 10 hours to do both upper and lower. If you are somewhat mechanical, you should be fine. I would go with Moog ball joints. They are a little more expensive, but after doing the job, you'll be happy you spent the extra money on a higher grade product so you won't need to replace them as often. I would also do the lowers. When you're down there, check the tie rod ends, pittman arm, and idler arm. As for the fuel pump, you should be able to do that yourself too. If you haven't done the intake manifold gasket yet, you may want to consider it. However, this is a job. This is prone to give way in the vortecs after 100k. Spend any extra money you can throw at it on upgrades...it's what we all do!

---------- Post added at 01:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:22 AM ----------

Oh, and throw some pics up of your Hoe!

 

[GMOWESME$]

Thanks for the advice, 10 hours is alot more than the shop's 5 or 6 they quote you. The more I read into it I am leaning towards a shop and having them all done. Heard about the Moog greaseables which is what I am going with. Intake Gasket I will plan on, should I also do the head gaskets at the same time? As for upgrades, I want performance and longevity so what would you suggest... obviously exhaust and ignition, new plugs, wires. What about chips? better MPG. Hate how the NEast wears these trucks, had my lower door panels grinded and rust "removed" but now it is coming through again... probably going to do a black coating I've seen others do. Will have pics up soon. Thanks again.

 

[ravingmadman]

Welcome!!! I'm a **** when it comes to not giving money to someone else when I can do the labor. I do all the wrenching on everything myself, and then post how-to's here. I paid a shop to do the ball joints. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.... You know?

 

[GMOWESME$]

Had upper and lower ball joints replaced with Moog's ... was able to find a veteran GM tech did the job in his shop for 150 on the spot!! Picked him up a case of bud for the urrgency repair. Found my intake gasket leaking(externaly).. hopefully we wont see it in the oil any time soon. **QUESTION:: SHOULD I DRIVE THIS UNTIL HE CAN FIX IN A COUPLE WEEKS OR LET IT SIT??

(98) 114K 2DR 4WD BIG COOP's and some A/V SHYTE!