Looking for used ball joints and tie rod ends for an 02

[Jim Despres]

Hello Everyone, Below is a vidio link from a company called Diverse Suspension Technology that shows how to measure the specifications on ball joints and tie rod ends so that you can find what universal dust boots that might be available to match your needs. My 02 has only 18k miles on it and has the infamous rotted boots. On past vehicles that I've owned, I have replaced cracked and deteriorated boots when the joints that they were protecting were still in good condition. On my 02 the joints show no signs of wear and are still in great condition so I am going to try and find some universal replacements that will extend the life of what is on the car now. I am wondering if anyone has any of their old tie rod ends and ball joints that they may have replaced. I need one of each so that I can take the measurements to see what boot replacements might be available. I will gladly pay the postage costs, take the measurements needed, then promptly return them back to you. I will of course share any information I find and post a video of how the boots are replaced once I get them ordered and start the replacement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxDWFntAdeA
Aftermarket Universal Dust Boots _ Polyurethane Replacement Dust Cover.pdf

[abaton6]

OK, I'm not being a wise guy here, but Why can't you measure the ones on the car?

[Jim Despres]

I want to pre-measure them because I have to order the universal. boots on line. If I pop the joints before I get the replacement boots I will have to leave the car disassembled until I receive the new ones or put it back together and wait until the new ones are here. It doesn't hurt to pop the ball joints loose once or twice but is something you want to keep to a minimum to insure a good seal.

[Quickdraw]

Jim, when you get your information you might want to order several sets of boots, mark them up, and sell to TBN members....

[MikeB6]

Jim, when you get your information you might want to order several sets of boots, mark them up, and sell to TBN members....

THAT's a great idea! I'd be in line to buy a complete set against the day when I'll need them. My step son is going to put my T-Bird up on the rack soon to inspect the dust boots soon. He is familiar with sending the various computer control modules off to specialists for rebuilding, too, so I'm feeling a more confident about owning my car for a looooong time to come. (He's got his own independent garage.) He'll be replacing the serpentine belt soon, along with the tensioner if necessary.

[hippy_mailman]

Jim, when you get your information you might want to order several sets of boots, mark them up, and sell to TBN members....

or a novel idea, just pass on the information

[Sandy J]

I have just had my 2005 Cashmere in the Local Ford Dealer and had all of this replaced as well as Struts and the control links
All was covered under my FORD PREMIUM CARE WARRANTY ALL BUT THE $ 100.00 ... After reading of many having this problem I
felt it might be something that needed to be checked !!!! Figure this about paid for MY WARRANTY !

[428PI]

Just drive the car and don't replace anything until the joint makes noise and or gets loose.

[edward301]

I had a situation much like you, my 02 Bird only had 12k miles, and all the boots were rotted. Car had some
squeaks and thumps going over big bumps. I decided to simply replace all the control arms, sway bar links,
and tie rod ends.

When I replaced all the parts, I also discovered most of the bushings were bad, or going bad, so it takes
more than just replacing the boots. I did all the suspension work myself, which was not very hard.

When complete car drove, and rode like new. When I took car to get a 4 wheel alignment, everything
lined up perfectly. The alignment report showed everything very close to perfect.

If you only replace the boots, you may be back there soon replacing everything else.

I bought all the parts for just over $700.00

[Fredrik73]

I'm very interested also of those measurements
I read about that some one (don't remember who)on the forum bought new dust covers but I can't find it now,
think it was in January maby
please let me know if you find some measurement on them
regards/Fredrik

[007Cruiser]

Post 15 of this thread may help

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ront-end-parts

[ChrisTBird]

where did you get the parts and what parts did you replace? I just posted a question about a $1700 kit with "all" suspension parts:

https://www.thunderbirdspecialties.c...t-new-product/

I had a situation much like you, my 02 Bird only had 12k miles, and all the boots were rotted. Car had some
squeaks and thumps going over big bumps. I decided to simply replace all the control arms, sway bar links,
and tie rod ends.

When I replaced all the parts, I also discovered most of the bushings were bad, or going bad, so it takes
more than just replacing the boots. I did all the suspension work myself, which was not very hard.

When complete car drove, and rode like new. When I took car to get a 4 wheel alignment, everything
lined up perfectly. The alignment report showed everything very close to perfect.

If you only replace the boots, you may be back there soon replacing everything else.

I bought all the parts for just over $700.00

[007Cruiser]

where did you get the parts and what parts did you replace? I just posted a question about a $1700 kit with "all" suspension parts:

https://www.thunderbirdspecialties.c...t-new-product/

Expect to pay top buck for anything you find on that site. Try Amazon, eBay, Rockauto, Tasca Ford or anyplace else.

[edward301]

I bought all my parts on ebay, the best price comes in bundled kits. Replaced front upper control arm, sway bar link, rear upper control arm,
lower control arm, sway bar link, and rear alignment link. I later decided to
replace both front steering knuckles because lower ball joint boot was cracked, and it is easier to buy knuckle with lower ball joint factory installed.
I then noticed shock strut was leaking, so replaced all four struts.
Car rides like a dream now.

[ISSYRO]

Hello Everyone, Below is a vidio link from a company called Diverse Suspension Technology that shows how to measure the specifications on ball joints and tie rod ends so that you can find what universal dust boots that might be available to match your needs. My 02 has only 18k miles on it and has the infamous rotted boots. On past vehicles that I've owned, I have replaced cracked and deteriorated boots when the joints that they were protecting were still in good condition. On my 02 the joints show no signs of wear and are still in great condition so I am going to try and find some universal replacements that will extend the life of what is on the car now. I am wondering if anyone has any of their old tie rod ends and ball joints that they may have replaced. I need one of each so that I can take the measurements to see what boot replacements might be available. I will gladly pay the postage costs, take the measurements needed, then promptly return them back to you. I will of course share any information I find and post a video of how the boots are replaced once I get them ordered and start the replacement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxDWFntAdeA
[ATTACH]n1054908[/ATTACH]

Jim, i see this it’s a few months ago, but I do have old rear trailing arms. And old say bar rear links.