01 front problems

Dirtclod · Mar 28, 2016

I recently posted this in 05 axle swap. Since I'm not swapping yet guess it should be under another topic. I recently changed the seals out on axle side and hub side. I didn't get the the seals seated in place on the left side so the spindle was out of round and couldn't get the locking hub on. The next day I pulled it out drained the differential and got it in right. Now I need to to do the passenger side. Here's my other issue and I should've known better. I thought to unlock the manual lock hubs would turn towards the back of the truck. I've now found out that's not right. I suppose when I put my hubs back on I locked one and unlocked the other. Then it wouldn't go in 4wd. So I got out and locked them. Kept going back and forth and finally got in 4wd. Later onagain one was locked and it makes a clanking sound. Like a u joint bad. But the ujoints look good. Is this the locking hub making this sound?
Also my steering is getting pretty bad. It's already adjusted out. Ive replaced sway bar bushings and one other piece that connects from steering rod. It has bushing made To it. Who has replaced steering box on these trucks?

psduser1 · Mar 28, 2016

If you've already tightened up the old steering gear, and it's loose again, you might as well buy a new box.
Redhead makes an excellent replacement. Make sure to change out the fluid, as well. No point in fkg a new steering gear with dirty oil.

Dirtclod · Mar 28, 2016

I'll look them up and look into the job of changing it out. Thanks

Dirtclod · Apr 5, 2016

Looks like I'm finally going to get a chance to finish my shop. Then I can do what I want to my truck.

Dirtclod · Apr 20, 2016

Got her in the shop Monday. The front driveshaft that goes from transfer case to front housing is torn up. Seems there is a needle bearing that has went bad and looks like the whole connection needs replaced. That would explain the popping when in 4wd. Also one bolt on both sides of brake caliper had come out. Mechanic said lock tire is needed. I didn't do that. Looks like a new shaft and all parts for drive shaft is 300$. Anyone know a better deal?

dsberman94 · Apr 20, 2016

U pull it yard.

Dirtclod · Apr 23, 2016

Thanks for the hint,otherwise I wouldn't have tried. 9 times outta 10 they never have any superdutys but this time they did,125$ shipped from back eastern NC. So far the truck drives much better but there's still issues. There's a rattling sound still up in the front and just started last night. It was doing this before. I'm looking for a chassis 450or 550 flat bed for my welding rig and when I find it I'm putting it in a frame shop to see if the frame is out. Then doing axle swap,new paint,and interior.
When I had my wreck a year ago the shop I had it at was supposed to have straightened it. I can tell the front frame horns are out bout a 1/4" or so by putting the front bumper on. I had the whole 05 front but now I have 05 grill and headlights with 01 bumper. I straightedge my front hitch and did some modding to get it to fit since it was for 05 conversion. Basically cut the rolled edges to mounting ends and welded to the bumper brackets to bolt to the frame. Had to use spacers to make it even and bring it out away from condenser in the front. Funny thing is the tires have not worn uneven. Maybe he aligned it according to the frame out. Hellifino!!!!

Dirtclod · Apr 27, 2016

Come to find out my sway bar links were loose and one was bent. They were replaced back in January but I hit a stump a few weeks ago and pretty sure that was the culprit. I took it to a friend of mine who does frame work and he said if the truck is aligned and the body parts lined up it should be ok. It drives a lot better again. Only thing up front to do is brakes and shocks and steering box. I'm hoping now that mechanically I'm finished for a while so I can concentrate on painting,and upgrades. New mirrors,tailgate,lights, and interior upgrade. I think first off is a set of 20" rims and replace the lift with a 6".

Dirtclod · May 9, 2016

Shocks installed,pads and rotors are fine,just steering box left to do.

Dirtclod · May 17, 2016

Ok Sunday I changed the rear ujoint and after a couple hours driving the front left stabilizer link is messed up. The nut is loose where it joins the the stabilizer and won't tighten up. What's going with this? It's like a revolving door.

Dirtclod · May 31, 2016

Well, evidently the front sway bar is bent. The links keep going bad. I definitely have to get this truck to a frame shop.

Dirtclod · Jun 5, 2016

has anyone put an aftermarket front and rear sway bar on a 99-03 superduty? just wondeing if there is something better

dsberman94 · Jun 5, 2016

Hellwig bigwig bars would be the best. Pretty sure they make them for our years.

Dirtclod · Jun 8, 2016

Today I had friend of mine who does high end sports car suspensions and mechanic took a look at my truck. My leaf springs are bent due to the wreck I had. Which makes sense. The frame horns are bent but the rest of the frame is not. I suppose it could have thrown my front axle out of line also and bent the sway bar. I suppose it's a good time to swap out to the 05 front!