after a weekend of mudding in galveston(saltwater and sand :/) i noticed a grinding when i would turn and my whole front end squeaks, should i go ahead and replace all of the steering components cause they're worn out ? or should i start with balljoints and tie rods

 

don't just go replacing parts. that gets expensive really fast and may or may not fix your problem. find out what is making noise and replace that part.

have someone stand outside the truck and determine which side the noise is coming from. then get underneath and determine exactly which part is making the noise. it is very unlikely that EVERYTHING is making noise. usually it's just one part.

i recently had a really bad squeak/creaking noise that was so bad i could hear it over my exhaust and the radio turned up all the way. it would make the noise when there was the tiniest bit of suspension travel, like hitting a bump or a dip in the road. every time someone got in or out of my truck, it would make the noise. it was really embarrasing to me as i'm kinda particular on stuff like that. turns out the right side lower ball joint had completely dried up and was grinding metal on metal inside the joint. i injected some lithium grease into the boot and the noise went away. so i replaced the ball joint (which was not an easy task, apparently they're not supposed to be replaced...ford says to replace the whole control arm) and the noise has not returned.

 

yeah what you're talking about is exactly what im experiencing, just stepping in the truck it squeaks, so i should do balljoints first

 

if you've never done ball joints, do all four ball joints. it is time. they do squeak horribly when they go out.

you have to buy new upper control arms but the lowers can be pressed or pounded out. i really didn't find it that difficult. noisy as hell though.

make sure you buy serviceable units. these are the ones that come with grease fittings.

 

poke a very small hole in the boot on the ball joint you think is making noise and load it up with some sort of grease. then take a drive. the noise should go away. if it does then you know that ball joint needs to be replaced.