I got a bunch of stuff done to the truck yesterday.I have been hearing a noise lately which sounded like a bearing noise.I couldn't tell where it was coming from.Last week I rotated and balanced the tires thinking maybe it was tire noise but that wasn't it.It needed to be done anyway.Then I thought maybe it was front wheel bearings because I had one go bad before.So I ordered up the parts and went to work yesterday.I replaced both front rotors,inner and outer wheel bearings,seals and brake pads.It didn't fix the problem but the rotors had over 100,000 miles on them so it was a good idea and the pads were about 75% worn.I also replaced the inner and outer tie rods on both sides because one of them was a bit loose.I have been meaning to do it for a long time anyway.We put it up on the alignment rack and got everything set there.Then someone mentioned they had a truck that was making the same noise and it turned out to be u-joints.So I got 2 new u-joints and we installed them.That didn't fix it either but the old joints were sloppy so it turned out fine that we did them.All of the work was done by me and my friend who is a tech at a Lincoln dealership and we did it there.It is nice to have all of the tools and knowledge at your disposal.So now I guess we get to go into the rearend.It is either a carrier bearing or rear wheel bearing.I am glad we did all of the work though because the truck drives so much nicer now.The brakes feel great and smooth and the steering is nice and tight and straight.I can even feel that it is smoother when I put it in drive or reverse due to the new u joints.I didn't think I would feel any difference but I do.I am amazed at how well everthing has held up on my truck considering it has 158,000 miles on it.I just have to fix the rearend and do front upper control arms and lower ball joints(the boots are rippped) and the truck will be mechanically perfect and ready for another 158,000 miles!

 

Glad you got all that done, good luck finding the problem. I need to replace my lower bj's, they're about to fall off.

 

Well I'm glad the work wasn't all wasted, like I said in person, all of that work falls under general upkeep and your truck will be better off for it. And while you have the rear apart you can put the 3.55s back in and get some better gas mileage.

 

I did one upper ball joint and WHAT a difference. I'm wondering what else is worn out. Mine has about 60k on the odometer, but it's been a "hard life", lol.

I think u-joints are definitely going to be soon.

Well, sorry to hear you didn't find it yet, but the "overhaul" sounds like it's worth it!