[merryjuanderer]

6.0L newby here. I've been looking for info on the best components to replace my steering components. I have an 05 6.oL F250 superduty with 168000K miles. So far, I've bullet proofed the engine, and replaced all four shocks and the steering damper with Bilstien components. Don't know if their the best choice but, it made a huge difference. I was told by the mechanic, that the steering components need to be replaced. I'd like to do the tie rods, drag link, track bar, tie rod ends and adjusting sleeves. My mechanic recommends MOOG but I was thinking motorcraft. Truck has made it this far on regional parts and it's likely I won't have the truck after another 100k miles. So MOOG vs Motorcraft, vs ?. I have a set Ball joints (XRT?) that came with the truck and will be replacing those as well. Opinions please. Thanks in advance.

 

[merryjuanderer]

Thanks for the info ZMANN. I'll have to go back and look but as I recall, but even though MOOG is significantly less than motorcraft, I think I'll go with motorcraft. It's a not a job I want to redo in a year or so. You're right, MOOG is much less expensive. The cost of branding. And, I have doubts about the quality MOOG because 6 months after installing my steering damper, I had to replace it because the bushings on the piston side showed signs of failure/cracking. MOOG said it definitely needed to be replaced and to go back to the seller. You know how that went. Thankfully, A finally relented and the install is easy. That said, my truck is too big to fit in my garage. When it's 15 below outside, it's not a fun job.

One other question. Motorcraft doesn't have zirc fittings but MOOG and other brands do. What's that all about? Are you supposed to grease the motorcraft fittings or just install and leave them alone?
Thanks again.

 

[merryjuanderer]

Great! Thank you.

 

[merryjuanderer]

Thanks. I'm learning these lessons very slowly.
As my projects start to come to fruition, everything is getting the mandatory penetrant prep work.

 

[merryjuanderer]

Will do. Thanks.

 

[merryjuanderer]

Finally got it done! It took a lot of time researching parts and how to's but I finally jumped in with both feet.
I am not a mechanic but with remarkable help of the US military hobby shop, it took 2 full days to complete.
In hind sight, it was not as bad as I was expecting. But daunting none the less.
So, to all those who gave advice, thank you!
Now onto the next project.