I started working on my spindle installation tonight and had a very easy time removing/installing the driver side spindle and removing the passenger side spindle. the main problem i've now run into is that the upper ball-joint bolt got stripped somewhere in the process, so now i can't get the passenger side spindle installed, which is just not a very good thing. so i guess my options are now either to replace the upper control arm or to just have the bolt re-threaded. my main concern is can the bolt even be re-threaded?!?!? i really cannot afford to buy a control arm after just spending $800 on the spindle lift. any comments/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

***JasoN***


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Oxford White 1998 F-150 STX, reg. cab, flareside, 4.2, auto, 3.55s, tint, Prestige alarm, Bel radar detector, Pioneer CD player, 4 Polk 5x7's, Stull billet grille and bumper insert, Flowmaster exhaust, K&N airfilter, V-Tech Tailight Covers(painted to match truck), removed factory mud flaps, Clear Corner Lenses, DJM shackles(removed for lift), Billet Oval Mirror, 3in. Body Lift, lift lips, chrome tow hooks, Pilot driving lights mounted behind billet bumper insert, 16x8 Ultra Wheels, 305/70/16 Goodyear AT/S, Custom door ding from some a$$hole, Fabtech Spindle Lift (ordered 12/27) FUTURE MODS: nothing for quite some time, i'm broke . . . GIG'EM AGGIES

 

J_Rock

I don't know if those threads can be chased with a die because ball joints and such have a unique thread size. Ask a machine shop in your area.

Also, I don't know what your timetable is for having your truck out of commission, but I have two pairs of factory upper control arms from two lifts in my garage. You can have the control arm you need for just the postage. I can COD it if you need it.

I will check this thread again at about 1pm Pacific time if you are interested, or email me at hi4a2by@san.rr.com


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99 F150 XLT SC 2WD, Fabtech 7 1/2" Ultimate Long Travel Lift, 3" body lift, Centerlines with 35" BFG Mud Terrains.

 

Ouch! I don't know what to tell you there. If bad comes to worse you might have to take up G Patricio on his offer. Maybe look at the local scrap yards for a new one or get if from Ford. Looks like $$ any way you look at it. Good luck!

Are you doing this in Houston or CS? I wouldn't mind seeing it.

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'98 F150 S/C 5.4 V8 4x2, Aggie maroon, spindle lift, blocks and leafs, Rancho RSX shocks, Airaid filter system, Pro Comp 305/70/16, AR Baja 16x8, Dynomax duals, and some other stuff

 

J_Rock:

I purchased 2 upper A-Arms, for my 99, and they only cost around $40.00 a peice, maybe a few dollars more.

I have my two old upper A-Arms, that have ground off bump stops. There off of a 99 F-150 2 wheel drive.

I've traded the 2 wheel drive on my new 4x4 and have no need for the A-Arms.

If interested let me know.

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• 2000 F-150 XLT
• 5.4 LITER TRITON V8
• 4X4 OFF ROAD PACKAGE
• SHORT BED EXTENDED CAB
• BRIGHT RED CLEARCOAT
• DARK GRAPHITE GRAY INTERIOR
• 4-SPEED AUTOMATIC W / MANUAL 4X4 SHIFTER
• 3" PERFORMANCE ACCESSORIES BODY LIFT
• 33X12.50X16.50 BFGOODRICH ALL-TERRIAN KO'S
• AMERICAN RACING BAJA'S 16.50X9.75 RIMS
• FORD SOFT TONNEAU COVER
• BLACK POWDER COATED STERLING EQUIPMENT NERF BARS
• BLACK POWDER COATED STERLING EQUIPMENT BRUSH GUARD
• TWO BLACK 150WATT DAYLIGHTER'S BY KC HILITES - TOTAL 770,000 CANDLEPOWER

[This message has been edited by Nitrox (edited 01-04-2001).]

 

hey guys, i really appreciate the help. we were actually able to fix the bolt with a die, so it worked out just fine. we had a hell of a time with the back though, could not get the holes to line up between the block, axle, and spring. tried for like an hour but when 1am started rolling around just decided to take it to the local off road shop in the morning and have them do it.

TexasAg, been doing the work at my parents house in houston. we actually live in richmond (sw side), but nobody seems to know where that is. anyway, my truck looks awesome, i am very pleased. gonna try to get some pictures on here this weekend.

Thanks again!!!!

***JasoN***

 

Yeah, I know where Richmond is. I had a hard time getting the bolt head to pop into the spring hole as well. I finally kicked it hard enough and enough times to pop them in. Probably wasn't the best idea when your rear end is on blocks.

Hopefully we can get together sometime so I can see your new lift.

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'98 F150 S/C 5.4 V8 4x2, Aggie maroon, spindle lift, blocks and leafs, Rancho RSX shocks, Airaid filter system, Pro Comp 305/70/16, AR Baja 16x8, Dynomax duals, and some other stuff