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| Re: [GMCnet] need lower front ball joints and idel arm [message #168977 is a reply to message #168880] |
Tue, 08 May 2012 19:49   |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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If the lower bushings are bad you may just want refirbed lower arms. Be carefull if new lower ball joints are installed. This is not a "hammer machanic" job and the arms need to be preped for proper seating of the new ball joints. They need to also drilled for the new larger hardware to prevent joint wander and ear breakage and be loctitied.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] need lower front ball joints and idel arm [message #169001 is a reply to message #168880] |
Tue, 08 May 2012 22:00 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| james.arias wrote on Tue, 08 May 2012 04:50 |
Took my 77 gmc birch haven for a aliment they said the lower ball joint and idle arm was bad and it could not be aligned could not find parts can you help me
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James,
As you may have noticed that many will suggest to do more to your front-end than just replacing ball-joints and idler arm. As we are talking about a 35 year old rig, the reasoning has merit. Unless the moving parts in front suspension have been already been replaced (and have been replaced CORRECTLY... not always the case) you would be better off considering them BAD unless "proven" good.
... I know some of this isn't what you really wanted to hear. ($$$$) But any alignment done before replacing all the "bad" parts will be money down the drain.
To put this another way, it'll nickel and dime you to death unless you bite the bullet and fix it right the first time.
That means upper and lower bushings and ball joints, with the required inspection of the A-arms. Plus all the tie rod ends, drag link and idler/relay arms. An Inspection and re-lube will probably be all you need for the Steering Intermediate Shaft.
You may want to look at this page for reference: <http://www.appliedgmc.com/level.itml/icOid/484>
If your coach has not had the front bearings checked/replaced and re-lubed, and has bad ball joints, you would be better off to _considering_ the one ton conversion. You can get it from JimK or a slightly cheaper version from Mani. (There is a difference besides price. Both are listed on JimK's site.) This conversion also gives you better brakes, updated bearings and CV joints and a wider front track.
There ARE reasons NOT to go to the one ton, but cost is NOT one of them. The equivalent OEM style parts will you cost more.
Keep in mind that even the one ton conversion does NOT replace the tie-rods and idler/relay arms. Rob has posted a procedure on how to check each part from the column to the tie-rod ends. (Tires MUST be on the ground to provide resistance.) Prove each part is good or replace it.
As far as "OEM style" parts, anything from "Dave Lenzi" will be top-of-the-line. Buy "lesser parts" at your own risk.
One more thing... It has been found that most alignment shops have a very hard time aligning our motorhomes. Mostly due to what needs to be done to get the coach to the correct ride height.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] need lower front ball joints and idel arm [message #169003 is a reply to message #169001] |
Tue, 08 May 2012 22:10 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Mike,
Well "said!"
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From Mike Miller
James,
To put this another way, it'll nickel and dime you to death unless you bite
the bullet and fix it right the first time.
--
Mike
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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