Ball joints on '03 Z71 any tips/tricks?

[ColeTrains03]

I'm doing a 2" lift all around on the truck and i'm replacing the shocks, rear blocks, torsion keys, ball joints(top and bottom) and sway bar end links(poly high quality ones) and that's all i can think of at this point. What size sockets/wrenches are used on the rear shocks? i thought i read it was a 21mm but just wanted to check. Any tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated. I'm doing Moog brand ball joints upper and lower and have a press to get them out but i heard something with the lowers can be a real PITA but not sure. ~Cole~

[ColeTrains03]

i'm doing the ball joints because i've heard with lifts they tend to go out sooner and i have one with a ripped boot and they are getting slightly loose. Not bad for originals with almost 150k miles on them

[kstruckcountry]

I'd soak everything with a penetrating oil a day or so before you plan to do it.

 

I'm don't remember what the size on the rear shocks is, but they're probably the easiest thing on the truck to change.

 

You might as well do tie rod ends too, and make sure to check for play in the idler arm.

[ColeTrains03]

so just the outter tie rods? As for the oiling everything up i already thought of that too should be pretty easy. I've done wheel bearings in the thing already so i just recently had the front end apart already. I soaked everything real good yesterday and will shoot some more on the bolts today and then tomorrow afternoon i'll start digging into the truck. I'm guessing it'll all take me maybe 5-6 hours to do it all but we'll see. Thanks much, i'll go order new tie rod ends quick too just for good measure

[ColeTrains03]

i don't know that i have the puller for the idler arms so i will check them and see what they look like then if they need to be changed down the road i'll have 'em done.

[kstruckcountry]

You've definitely got the right idea doing all this at once. It's a lot easier than a part here a part there. Also easy to keep track of what you have done. I'm not sure if the tie rod ends would need to be replaced, but you know how bigger tires can finish off worn out parts. I'm doing bearings on mine soon just for peace of mind.

[ColeTrains03]

ordered new tie rod ends today will get them tomorrow. I'll check the idler arms. I don't know that i have the tools to do that one right now so i'll at least check them and see how they are. If they are good i won't worry about them but if they are a little loose i'll wait until i get back from my Michigan job here in May and do them then. I like doing a bunch of stuff when i'm in there instead of one part here or there because i may have to do an alignment again anyway with the part here and there method. I've heard some people say the lower ball joints have a trick to them is this true?

[white1500]

You should also replace all of the bushings! I would love to do a full suspension overhaul sooner or later, and the bushings are very important.

[ColeTrains03]

I checked them all out and they were miraculously still in great shape. I am pretty picky about maintaining my stuff so i keep everything greased and cleaned up. I spray the bushings with lithium grease about once a year and it keeps them from drying out and cracking. The thing feels like a new truck after all new stuff. I will be doing the idler/pitman arms soon as well as they are getting just ever so slightly loose

[white1500]

I don't think that rubber bushings can be in original shape after 10 years regardless of all the lubrication in the world. The heat and endless flexing is what wears them out.