I'm wanting to start changing my front springs soon and wondering if there's anything I should be aware of before I start, like how long does it take, any special tricks to doing it etc.

I haven't done it on these trucks, but it looks like a fairly simple project. There are OEM Service Manuals in the downloads section of this site.

one of 2 ways, use a coil spring compressor or unhook the front stabilizer links so the axle will droop to get them in and out. Done it both ways and either way works. Nothing technical about it. Got to pull the shocks out of the center first.

Thanks guys. I got er done. And I didn't even have to pull the shocks, just disconnected the top and pushed it down and pulled the spring:smart: But when I was under there I discovered that I'm due for some ball joints:banghead: So what should I be ordering for parts? Over on CF I read about some sort of offset ball joints or something that are supposed to help with steering wander. Anybody use them or know about this?

I've also done the droop method to add a leveling kit to a 3rd Gen... But it would fo been easy to change a set of springs... Just take you time support the vehicle well before you start with the axle. Then also keep a jack under the axle to raise or lower as you disassemble/reassemble.

I would not recommend offset ball joints unless you already have a steering problem, I.E; abnormal tire wear, inability to align properly etc... The problem is once you use them, caster will be affected and will have to be compensated for in your caster adjustment. Unless the caster adjustments are equal on both sides of the axle, this can cause the axle to be "twisted" in is relative position in the wheel well. This can add to the whole wandering problem, which our trucks are so fond of. With solid axle trucks, like my 2000 with a Dana 60 unless you have been in a wreck, the camber is pretty well set from the factory. I just went through all this in June so I dug around a lot for the best deal on quality parts. I ended up using MOOG lifetime warranty ball joints through Summit Racing. I price matched them to Amazon.com and ended up getting them for a pretty decent price. If you want to borrow the tools for the job, just pay shipping and your welcome to use mine. Chris

  volkswagon said:

Thanks guys. I got er done. And I didn't even have to pull the shocks, just disconnected the top and pushed it down and pulled the spring:smart: But when I was under there I discovered that I'm due for some ball joints:banghead: So what should I be ordering for parts? Over on CF I read about some sort of offset ball joints or something that are supposed to help with steering wander. Anybody use them or know about this?

You guys in the states have the best prices on tools, this kit on Amazon would probably be the cost of shipping back and forth LOL http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7249-Ball-Joint-Service/dp/B0002SRGXY Here is a sticky on changing them, I've kept for the fateful day I have to jump in and do it. http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94-98-tech-articles/227569-2nd-gen-4wd-ball-joint-replacement-session.html

  Rick C in Oakville said:

You guys in the states have the best prices on tools, this kit on Amazon would probably be the cost of shipping back and forth LOL http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7249-Ball-Joint-Service/dp/B0002SRGXY Here is a sticky on changing them, I've kept for the fateful day I have to jump in and do it. http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94-98-tech-articles/227569-2nd-gen-4wd-ball-joint-replacement-session.html

Those will only work on the older rigs If you plan on working on anything newer like the 3rd gens and or fords or jeeps that kit will not work. The newer axles take a bigger press because of the shape and angle of the new axle setups. Just a heads up.