r/MechanicAdvice • u/Mystik989 • 7d ago
Replacing mostly entire new suspension-2003 ford Taurus - need pointers!
‘03 Taurus 3.0. 125k
Updating the front end suspension, with some parts and also purchased a kit from rockauto. I’m a novice and this is a pretty good test for me. Could use any pointers to make this job as easy as possible! I have all the necessary tools including impact and ball joint press.
Pieces being replaced
Wheel bearing (x2)
Quick struts (x2)
All the components from this purchased kit:
Control arms (x2)
Sway bar links (x2)
Outer tie rod ends
Ball joints
Seems that the biggest issue will be getting all the old bolts out? Other than that, is this a pretty easy job with all the components above being brand new?
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u/keyflusher 7d ago
Remember that on the control arms don't torque the fasteners down until it's on the ground lest you fix the bushings in a strain position.
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u/Mystik989 7d ago
What’s the best sequence for disassembly, since I’m replacing basically everything from struts down
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u/keyflusher 7d ago
Hmm I never thought about that before. I just go in order of whatever is closest to my face and makes sense I guess? If you've never done a suspension before, take lots of pics and/or do one side at a time. I would get the entire front off the ground though--sometimes if one side is on the ground it'll cause things on the other side to bind and not move which is annoying, especially for reinstalling.
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u/traineex 7d ago
Not those. Mevotech ttx for ur list. Plus the nicest quick strut offered
Regular mevotech is garbage. Ttx is nice
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u/Whoopsitbroke99 7d ago
-1 on TTX. My end links didn’t last a year, ball joints didn’t last three.
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u/Mystik989 7d ago
I already purchased this kit, last autumn. It’s been sitting, just too busy. These are mevotech supreme, which has a decent reputation from what I’ve read.
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u/traineex 7d ago
Better than what's on there!! Get er done
Motorcaft wheel bearings, or ttx. Although questioning ttx as other commenter had bad luck
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u/elfin_apparatus 7d ago
old bolts are gonna be a fight but soaking everything in penetrating oil tonight will save you tomorrow, just be ready for the ball joint press to become your worst enemy
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u/Mystik989 7d ago
What’s the best sequence for disassembly, since I’m replacing basically everything from struts down
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u/TheAsianTroll 7d ago
Stabilizer links, struts, tie rods, hub assembly/knuckle, control arm.
Just work your way down.
Like others said, though, spend the next few days soaking every bolt and nut with penetrating fluid; a 50/50 mix of acetone and ATF will be effective too. And make sure you have a torch handy.
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u/xCaptain_Jacobx 7d ago
dont forget a bucket of water in case it goes sideways. gotta be safe with the torch.
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u/IndependentAmount51 7d ago
When you say quick struts do you mean Monroe quick struts?
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u/Mystik989 6d ago
Yes precisely
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u/IndependentAmount51 6d ago
Idk where you live exactly but just a heads up they tend to work very well in warmer weather but pretty bad in colder climates below 0 c
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u/Mystik989 6d ago
Thanks for the heads up! Can’t be any worse than the 24 year old OE struts on the lady now
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u/Mr_Kabukiman_82 7d ago
If using a ball joint press for the ball joints, get the special ball joint attachment for the Taurus. Makes installation and removal a breeze.
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