Our build has begun on our 35 Extended Cab. We took delivery very early on Feb 8. meeting Stewart Transport 1/4 mile from our house (as we live at the end of a dead end gravel road with a couple of tight turns).
We placed our order on August 16, 2022.
I will eventually start an official build thread over in the proper place with details on our objectives for the build and the options we chose. But for now, here is where we are at.
- All the front suspension is installed
- Front brakes are installed
- pedal box is in
- steering rack with tie rod ends installed
- fuel tank may go in today
The cab is still on the chassis. I'm working somewhat out of sequence due to back ordered (POL) and missing parts.
Now here is my first question regarding Front Upper Ball Joints.
There have been quite a few differences between the build manual and the kit. For instance the front upper ball joints screw into the control arm from the spindle side of the arm, where the joints on the lower arm are pre-welded in.
I'm looking for some advice on these ball joints.
- What torque spec to use
- should they have a thread locker applied
- they are 1-7/8 inch across the flats of a square drive. What tool would you use for this
I followed Erik's build on the SEMA truck but I assume he blasted through his build in order to get to the show. And I don't recall seeing details like this in his videos.
Helpful or encouraging comments appreciated.
Don