I have a old 99 Ford f-250 Diesel. When I bought the one owner truck I was given all new components for the front end. The trouble is they are new Auto zone cheap Chinese. The biggest expense is labor on replacing them. Should I pitch these and purchase new premium parts or just use them? The truck is only used local, no long distance trips because it's a single cab.Forgot to add the truck is a very clean rust free. The 7.3 has no blow by, 6 speed manual and runs very well. New tires, brakes, batteries, shocks and interior is clean as well

memtb wrote:Go Moog!That's what I've always used, the American built K series. It just seemed like a waste to pitch new in the box components.

I wouldn't waste your time or money installing the cheap line advance/autozone stuff. The moog parts are good, as noted above the made in USA stuff. Pitch the cheapo stuff, have quality stuff installed and be done with it. Just my .02

Unless you start having issues I would not change a thing.

time2roll wrote:Unless you start having issues I would not change a thing.The front end components are wore out and loose. The heavy 7.3 takes a toll on front ends.

Front end components, keep or upgrade? Update- went Moog

Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Jun 16, 2018
I guess you need to get an estimate on the install?

I did my 99 F250 out in the barn, but had the basic stuff needed like the press.

I suspect you knew the answer you were going to get here and needed some justification lol. :W

For a local runner i would install the FREE parts and keep an eye on them. Bet they would outlast your needs.
time2roll
Nomad
Jun 16, 2018
colliehauler wrote:
time2roll wrote:
Unless you start having issues I would not change a thing.
The front end components are wore out and loose. The heavy 7.3 takes a toll on front ends.
Sorry misread the question. I thought the new parts were on the truck worn out again not in a box.
You will do fine with Moog.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jun 16, 2018
Grit dog wrote:
^ That's cool, but you said local driving only. How many miles you actually expect to put on it? Doesn't sound like it'll be living a hard life, even the cheapest parts will last you a while.
Differnet story of you were running the truck hard.
Your probably right but parts are not that expensive but labor is. I really don't need the truck I use the crew cab or Excursion for all the trips. It cost very little to keep. The dang thing is in good shape and gets 21 mpg on the hwy. The old 7.3 with a manual 6 speed is kind of difficult drive, loud although bone stock, anemic compared to a modern Diesel. Other then the front end I would not be afraid to take it on a long trip.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jun 16, 2018
^ That's cool, but you said local driving only. How many miles you actually expect to put on it? Doesn't sound like it'll be living a hard life, even the cheapest parts will last you a while.
Differnet story of you were running the truck hard.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jun 15, 2018
shum02 wrote:
Having done the the front end of my '06 F350 including upper and lower BJ's, tie rods, u-joints..........go out and spend the money on the good stuff. Doing the R&R on these trucks is labour intensive to say the least but once done the components last a LONG time!!

Drop the junk on Craigs/Kijji for some kid on a budget build and buy the good stuff.
Same conclusion I have reached. I ordered new Moog K-series parts. I will either give the cheap parts away or donate them to the Reuse it center in town.
shum02
Explorer
Jun 15, 2018
Having done the the front end of my '06 F350 including upper and lower BJ's, tie rods, u-joints..........go out and spend the money on the good stuff. Doing the R&R on these trucks is labour intensive to say the least but once done the components last a LONG time!!

Drop the junk on Craigs/Kijji for some kid on a budget build and buy the good stuff.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Jun 15, 2018
I have had good results with Moog, but be sure you get the K line and not the economy line, it's junk.

Personally I would invest in better quality parts if I was going to spend the time re-doing the front end. Go on the website of the store where the parts are from, find out how much they cost new and sell them for about 2/3 of that on CL or FB classifieds.
enblethen
Nomad
Jun 15, 2018
Many of the suspension parts branded as Duralast from Autozone are made by McQuay- Norris.
You will find many auto parts are not made in the US.
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Jun 15, 2018
You want the best?

Then buy Dynatrac.

Moog used to be good but their middle of the road stuff is questionable where it even comes from. Their economy stuff is garbage.
ib516
Explorer II
Jun 15, 2018
I wouldn't waste money throwing the new parts in the trash. If you don't want to use them, put them on local classified ads and sell them.