front end joints.

[xkotyx]

i know the basic joints, but for my knowledge, could someone list every joint that powers the front end. from the front driveshaft u-joints, to the axle shaft joints, ball joints, etc.... i want to know the actual names of all of them, as my they are worn out on my truck, and i plan to replace all of them when i do.

pics would be great too.

and btw, its a 91 ranger with a d35 front end.

 

[t0x1k]

Only joints that "power" the front end are u joints.
You pretty much got it all as far as joints.
there are 5 total u joints in the front.
3 on the axle shafts(2 and 1), 2 on the drive shaft plus a funny thing called a double cardon joint which is 2 u joints in a big ol' knuckle thingy with a ball and spring.

 

[adsm08]

I think by "powers" he means everything needed to make it work completely.

In which case you are most of the way there already.

You know about the front U-joints, and the ball joints.

Then you have the tie-rods. They consist of the outters (the funny looking ones at the knuckle, and the inners, or "drag links". These are the long ones that have a single joint near the center holding them to each other.

Finally, and as long as you are replacing everything, you might as well do EVERYTHING, there is the pitman arm. It's the funny looking sucker that goes from the steering box to the first drag link.

 

[xkotyx]

I think by "powers" he means everything needed to make it work completely.

In which case you are most of the way there already.

You know about the front U-joints, and the ball joints.

Then you have the tie-rods. They consist of the outters (the funny looking ones at the knuckle, and the inners, or "drag links". These are the long ones that have a single joint near the center holding them to each other.

Finally, and as long as you are replacing everything, you might as well do EVERYTHING, there is the pitman arm. It's the funny looking sucker that goes from the steering box to the first drag link.

thanks guys i have a better idea. got any pics of the tie rods just so i can get a better idea. they seem more complicated. sounds like that might be where my clunking is coming from when i turn sharp at low speeds.

and i already replace my pitmans arm with a dropped one when i lifted it the other month.

 

[adsm08]

Tie rods aren't that complicated, but you will need an alignment. Also, they may well be your noise.

I'll try to snap some pics of my front end tomorrow. It's a bit dark out now.

 

[xkotyx]

Tie rods aren't that complicated, but you will need an alignment. Also, they may well be your noise.

I'll try to snap some pics of my front end tomorrow. It's a bit dark out now.

thanks, its greatly appreciated! like i said i knew the basics somewhat. but i just want to know what EVERYTHING is, for my knowledge and understanding. youre a good man!

tried to rep ya but wouldnt let me, i think i repped you not too long ago.

 

[t0x1k]

disregard my instructions on how to install a pivot bracket.

 

[adsm08]

That is a pretty good look at the tie rods. If you want to replace them all, it's about 3 bolts and a good couple hammer swings away.

Pop the nuts at the knuckles and give the knuckle ear a good whack to uncone the outer rods. Then undo the nut at the pitman arm (which I'm guessing you've done before when you lifted it) and then IIRC the whole thing should be sitting in your lap.