Front Axles as Maintenance

[rgraboske]

I just turned 142,000 miles in my '02. With the exception of sway bar end links and bushings, the front suspension is all original. My lower ball joints and right lower strut mount have excessive play, so I ordered new Mevotech Lower Control arms, Moog springs (stiffer and to counteract sagging), and a pair of HD Bilstiens.

Planning this all out, I'm wondering if I should just spend the extra $100 and get a pair of front axles. Other than throwing the left boot a couple of times, I've never had an issue, but.......

What do you think? Let it go, or spend the extra money?

If I don't do it now, I will do it when I lift. I'm just not ready to lift it yet.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[Trail X]

I'd say change the axles if you have the extra money and plan to lift it. You'll have to do most of the work anyways when replacing the LCA.

[The Roadie]

Yes. Do it.

I didn't know Moog made springs. Got a link?

[rgraboske]

That's what I was thinking James.

Roadie, I ordered them from Rock Auto. I noticed them a few months ago after spending some quality time with James' Factory Spring Part Numbers thread. At the time, they didn't list the sprig rate, so I called Rock, who had me call Federal Mogul who are the spring manufacturers.

Mine came with the 56 N/mm. These are 66 N/mm, and were $77 for the pair. I know, wimpy compared to yours

I'll let you know how they work out once I get them installed.

[The Roadie]

Sorry for the hijack - but I can't recreate your research at the moment. Did they offer a choice of many spring rates?

[rgraboske]

Sorry for the hijack - but I can't recreate your research at the moment. Did they offer a choice of many spring rates?

Nope, just the one. Looking at the chart fo factory spring rates, this falls on the low side of the EXT spring rates, so I assume they just kind of split the difference.

[bgwolfpack]

Done lots of research on the springs too. The set of Moog springs from Rock auto, at the better than average spring rate, is a very good route to go. The higher spring rated #s listed in the James' thread are very hard to track down and even if you find someone who lists them, they most often don't stock them. (but I have only searched out the 89s, for the 2002 2wd)

rgraboske, did you order all your parts from Rock auto? They can't seem to be beat.

[rgraboske]

I bought everything but the shocks from Rock Auto using the 5% discount. I ordered the Friday before Memorial Day, and everything arrived the Wednesday after. I'm very happy

[Philberto]

Just FYI, rockauto also has some Moog springs listed as EXT fronts for $46.79 for the pair. They're listed for the 5.3 2006 EXT LT as part number 81114. No information on the spring rate.

[rgraboske]

Just FYI, rockauto also has some Moog springs listed as EXT fronts for $46.79 for the pair. They're listed for the 5.3 2006 EXT LT as part number 81114. No information on the spring rate.

I see that now. Nothing can be simple, can it?