Love hate relationship

[12valve350]

Yesturday i sat at a tire shop for 4 hours, waiting for new tires for my dually, wich set me back 1200 bucks, only to have the guy show my my ball joins are worn! And i just had them done six months ago. so i crawl underneith and find 2 crunchy holes in the floor . Im not bashing our trucks,i love mine to death, believe me id NEVER have anything else..but come on!! let me get ahead the motors behaving itself tho

[Mark Nixon]

Yeah, I must be totally insane to have done the re-power on the hauler knowing that these trucks are already worn out suspension wise.
Not to mention it's a '78 and it is definitely in need of front end work, it's not "unsafe", but it's definitely noticeable.
The engine in it now has 206,000 miles on it, never a cap or screw monkeyed with, and I know the truck will probably fall apart around the engine if I leave the pump and turbo alone, but that ain't happening.
It needs more power.

Mark.

[12valve350]

Yeah i know, im doing my very best to keep it from falling apart

[Richie O]

I save mine by not driving them in salt. I have other stuff to drive so Im lucky. I know some people don't have that option. I had another 89 I worked hard plowing and sanding. It sure shows. I basically gave that truck away. I got very lucky on my 89 I bought in 1998. Never saw road salt before I got it and never has since. My 93 I bought last year, poor thing was almost rusted in half. ( no kiddin ). Took lots of time and brought it back to life. It will never see salt again. I have only put 34,000 on my 89 since I got it 11 years ago. Just got my 250 yards of winter sand/ salt put up so now my trucks don't even see that side of my yard.

[12valve350]

yeah well i have to drive my 90 in the snow/salt i dont have a choice, but i can tell you next spring, patch floor time lol

[dpuckett]

Try Spicer ball joints- they are better than MOOG in my experience. Also, when replacing ball joints, an alignment is a must. These front ends are marginal in the 2wds when all is new and tight- they get dangerous with any wear anywhere. DOnt skimp on parts- do the parts yourself if possible. SHops wont always install the best available.