Front Suspension

[rbaldwin87]

noob here with my first psd. i need to get my wheels aligned but the shop said i needed to get a bunch of work done to the front end before i could get the alignment done, totaling to a whoping $1500. this seems a little outrageous to me. im pretty handy and do most of my own mechaical work. my question is what parts directly effect the alignment that may need to be replaced. also, which other parts should i replace while im down there to prevent any future problems. oh yea, a little information might help you guys. this is a 1999 f350 7.3 psd 4x4 with 6" of lift. thanks in advance

[JSchuricht]

That does seem steep for a solid axle vehicle. The main things that wear out are ball joints and the steering linkage. You should be able to replace everything for under $500. What's unknown is if they went further than that and looked at bushings on the track bar, sway bar, play in the steering wheel, hub condition, etc. I would start with ball joints, and go over all the steering linkage, give it a good tug near the pivot points and see if there is any play.

[rbaldwin87]

thank you. ill start with the ball joints and go from there.
is there anything else that i should do or check on this truck, engine drivetrain or electrical, since i just bought it and don't really know much about this rig or diesel trucks at all.