Just replaced my drivers IWE and I reused these nuts. Do I need to order new ones or can I just use the old ones? The instructions say they are one time nuts.

 

At the very least get new cotter pins.

 

They didn't have cotter pins. They were just 18mm bolts. This is a 4x4. Maybe the 2wd is different?

 

Here are the instructions that I used. Doesn't mention any cotter pins.

http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1...9%20205-04.pdf

 

Maybe the were 21mm, not 18.

 

Huh, maybe they're different. All the ball joints And tie rod ends I've seen have the castle nut on them with a cotter pin through it.

 

From the factory, at least on my '04 4x4, and my colleagues '05 2wd, the ball joint, tie rod etc... nuts are all more or less regular nuts, not castle nuts. The suspension components from Ford are not drilled for cotter pins.

The aftermarket pieces I have put on (Moog ball joints) come drilled and with cotter pins. This made torquing to proper spec somewhat interesting. I torqued to spec, and then turned the nut until the openings allowed the cotter pins to go through.

I have to assume if your truck has cotter pins in the front suspension, you bought it used, and the OEM pieces were replaced with aftermarkets, which in this case is a HUGE improvement. Ford pulled a serious bonehead move by fitting these trucks with non serviceable suspension pieces.

 

The tie rod and ball joints on my 04 had locking nuts on them. The moog replacement came with regular nuts or so it looked. I went to Fastenal and got new locking nuts.

 

I did buy it used, but with 28k on it so I assumed the components were factory haha.

 

pizzaman711, it shows your vehicle as a 1998 F150, they might have done things differently between your 98 and my 04... With those low miles I would assume the parts should be factory... Then again, you never know...

a.desisto

On your 04, the Moog parts you are referring to, when you say regular nuts, are you talking about castle nuts? That is how mine were shipped, with castle nuts and cotter pins, I think if I remember right, the OEM were all metal locking nuts. I would prefer a castle nut / cotter pin arrangement as it is far more secure than a lock nut can be. But everyone has their preferences...

 

The Moog nuts looked like regular hex head nuts. The original factory nuts looked like a nylon locking nut. I prefer castle nuts and cotter pins; but I like manual hubs on my truck too. Guess I'm old fashion.

 

From what I have read I just need to remove the nuts and apply red loctite and I should be fine.

 

If you use Red on them, the only way you will get them off again is with a magic blue fire wrench.

 

I used red also. Just put them back on tonight. Thanks