Ford Exploder question, front end

[BangShift McT]

On a 1st gen Explorer, 4WD, a) is there such thing as an "elbow joint"? and b) if it exists, does it go out?

I've been listening to my roommate bitch about paying for all this stuff, and this one caught me off gaurd. I know nothing about Ford trucks past '88 except fullsize 2WD.

[ls7gto]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

Im a ford tech , and have never heard that, but it could be a local name for something. when I was in the western side of the state ,everyone said "inner tie rod end", and here on the east, they say" spindle rod". exact same part.

[RacerRick]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

CV joint perhaps? My friend calls them elbow joints for whatever reason.

[fast Ed]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

1st gen. Explorers had u-joints in the front axle shafts, no CV joints. Not sure what an elbow joint is, never been asked for that in almost 25 years in the parts business. ???


cheers
Ed N.

[miketblsr]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

Posibly ball joints?

Very common in all Fords especially older ones to fail.

[ls7gto]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

1st gen. Explorers had u-joints in the front axle shafts, no CV joints. Not sure what an elbow joint is, never been asked for that in almost 25 years in the parts business. ???


cheers
Ed N.

man you guys are quick.

[shaun callaway]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

i know i know

ITS A FORD


no offense to you ford lovers!

[thevic24]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

hey at least its just the front end ;D

[mopower58]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

You think they were talking about radius arm bushings?

[thevic24]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

iam thinking a tie-rod

[BangShift McT]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

Honestly, I'm not sure myself. Remember, I haven't seen this vehicle since we put the cars in the storage lot before leaving. I do know that the ball joints are shot and he's way past due for a brakejob, but he's also nowhere near a car guy, and won't let me work on it. He went to the Firestone dealer on Fort Lewis, they gave him a number that scared me. Methinks that the dealer saw "sucker" the moment he walked in the door.

[fabricatordave]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

im thinking radius arm bushings

[joebogey]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

How about we work this from the other end. What is the problem he's having with it? To me it sounds like they could be talking about either the u-joints or the ball joints. What was going on in the front end that made him take it there?

[BangShift McT]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

He's at another base for a couple of days, so I may not have everything. What I do know is ball joints at both ends need to be replaced, there is excessive play in the steering and it's way overdue for a brake job. Add what looks like a 3.5" lift to the equation, 31" tires.

[mopower58]

Re: Ford Exploder question, front end

Did they try to sell him new muffler bearings at the same time?