Front end work

justme

NAXJA Forum User
I just took my XJ in for an alignment because the last set of tires wore unevenly, and I don't want to ruin my new ones. The shop just called me and said the front end is "frozen up" and even heating it did not release it. The mechanic said it's 1 5/16" off. He can get me a new left outter connecting rod, a right inner connecting rod, tie rod & adjuster sleeve installed for $295. But he suggests also doing a new pair of offset ball joints which would bring it up to $747.
What should I do? Is it possible to get any of these things used? Would that help any or is most of it labor anyway? If I do have to replace all this stuff with new, should I be getting heavier duty parts? (I notice my sons Cherokee has beefier parts). What should I do???

(I just got it out of another shop yesterday with new leaf springs & shackles for $342. This new mechanic says the helper springs are not even attached to the leaf springs?) :helpme: Advice desperately needed...
 
dude you just posted the same question less than an hour ago. give people some time. some are at work or doing whatever and if you aren't patient no one will help you.
 
I'm so sorry!!! I searched for the thread a number of times and it wasn't up, so I assumed I messed up the first time and I tried it again. I don't know why this one comes up for me, but the first one does not. I should learn to be less computer illiterate. Thanks for pointing out my mistake!
 
no problem. some people get on here and do repeated posts since they want a quick answer. i'm pretty computer illiterate too so it's understandable :)
 
take it somewhere else man,
When I lifted mine the Firestone place said the same thing. that it was frozen up and they couldn't do it. THey were'nt trying to screw me, these guys have been great to me all along. BUt I took it elsewhere and the new place was able to get it done, nothing new needed
 
justme said:
I just took my XJ in for an alignment because the last set of tires wore unevenly, and I don't want to ruin my new ones. The shop just called me and said the front end is "frozen up" and even heating it did not release it. The mechanic said it's 1 5/16" off. He can get me a new left outter connecting rod, a right inner connecting rod, tie rod & adjuster sleeve installed for $295. But he suggests also doing a new pair of offset ball joints which would bring it up to $747.
What should I do? Is it possible to get any of these things used? Would that help any or is most of it labor anyway? If I do have to replace all this stuff with new, should I be getting heavier duty parts? (I notice my sons Cherokee has beefier parts). What should I do???

(I just got it out of another shop yesterday with new leaf springs & shackles for $342. This new mechanic says the helper springs are not even attached to the leaf springs?) :helpme: Advice desperately needed...

Are you mechanically inclined? What I mean is, can you work on your Jeep? if so, you can install all of these parts, including the ball joints yourself. Then do a "driveway" alignment so you can drive it to the shop for a computer alignment.

Do a little search for offset balljoints to learn a little more about them.

If the parts do need to be replaced, now is the perfect time to upgrade. If your son's has beefier parts, then ask him for his help and advice. Also find folks in your area (local NAXJA guys) and throw a wrench party. Provide some food and beverages, and learn about your Jeep. It will cost you WAY less than $750. For instance, a Currie HD steering upgrade is about $300 (if I recall). Offset ball joints are about $45 to $70. A few hours underneath, and our done!

Now, I don't understand what you meant by saying that about your leaf springs and the helper spring not being attached. You could have bought a set of springs for a few hundred dollars and install them yourself in a couple of hours.

I hope I am not coming across mean or anything. I have learned a ton about my XJ by working on it myself. Now, I am no mechanic, but there is always someone from this group (or others) that is willing to help and teach. Now that I have learned so much, I am able to help others and I am more prepared to work on mine when it breaks.

If you are not comfortable or able to work on your Jeep, then ask around and find a reputible shop.

Good Luck!
 
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