F350 suspension parts are called what?
 

Got a bit of a dilemma. I just got handed a ~$1200 estimate for work that the 97 F30 needs done on the front end. Me, being the poor, cheap, anal, whatever you want to call it, guy that I am figured I'd do the work myself at the auto hobby shop on base.

Problem is - I really don't know much about suspensions and axles and such. Of course, I didn't really know much about carbs, engines, and other stuff once but I learned.

So here's what I need: (all on front axle, 4x4)
-4 ball joints
-right inner tie rod (the most expensive one of the 3)
-axle seals (I have a slight leak at both ends of the front axle)
-Trac Arm (???)

I'm trying to generate a price list for the parts now. I have a few weeks/months I hope before I really need to do these things. I'll spend the time buying parts and learning how to do it. My biggest question is: What are some other names for a "trac arm"? I can't find "trac arm" listed on any parts page. Is it the same as a pittman arm? Torsion bar (I don't think so, as I have leaf springs)?

Of course, if any of you out there have done this kind of work some words of widsom would be greatly appreciated.

cheers,

Matt.

I give up -- what's an F30?

Here's what I was able to dig up.

Suspension, F-350 with Dana Model 60 Monobeam Front Drive Axle
The F-350 4x4 has a Dana Model 60 Monobeam one-piece driving axle attached to the frame (5005) with two semi-elliptical, leaf-type springs.

Each spring is clamped to the axle assembly with two U-bolts.
The rear eye of the spring is attached to the front spring mounting bracket (5340).
The front of the spring is attached to a shackle bracket.
On the right spring cap, a tracking bar is attached with the opposite end mounted on the front crossmember (5019).
The front shock absorbers (18124) are the direct double-acting type. They are attached to a front shock absorber mounting bracket (18183) at the top and to the U-bolt spacer plate at the bottom.

Thanks Moneypit, that helped alot. Where did get that info?

I do usually try the ford forums. Sometimes I get good info othertimes not so helpful. I figured everyone here would be quicker on the mark regarding basic suspension questions.

F30 is what you get when you try and type F350 quickly and miss the 5 and fail to proofread.

thanks all,

Matt.

Ve haff our vays. ;)

Actually, that's straight from the 1996-2000 Ford Service Information DVD. I have access to a pretty extensive library. Not a lot about MB's though...that's why I'm hanging around here.

I spent about half an hour at the ford dealer today and he couldn't find that part on his system - possibly user error...

The more I look at that part, the tracking bar, the more I wonder how the bar can fail. It looks like the bushings could fail which would allow movement. I'm thinking Moog replacement bushings, but I've never used Moog stuff on anything. Reportedly they're good.

Where does one get a ford service DVD?

Some parts were not designed to be serviced, except by replacing the whole part. For what it's worth, the exploded view of the front suspension, from which I took the previous information, did not show track bar bushings as being seperate from the bar. Won't hurt to ask around, though.

From Ford ;)

ahhh, in that case I'm sure that I won't be able to afford it until I'm older and making more money, in which case I'd probably have someone else do it.

can help here
 

peragro,

I have a Ford maint CD for '96 truck models. It covers F350 4wd. I'm guessing 96 and 97 are close. I'll be glad to make copy and send it. Reply or PM me with an address.

Chuck

Maybe the 'trac arm' is the equivalent of a drag link in an MB. If you look under the vehicle it'll be the long bar that goes between tie rods. It goes by other names. From what I heard you want the kind with greasable ends.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL