2004 4.0 - List Of Parts For Front End Rebuild

WWII-Willys · Jul 14, 2026

Hi Gang

Thanx for all your help here. I recently posted I was dealing with Death Wooble on my 2004 4.0. When I first bought it in 2010, (with 20K Miles), the most common cause were worn tires. And most times that fixed it. Same with my older 1990 previously. Also know, I'm 78 years old and NEVER Ever Drive Off Road. Less than 2K per year. Well it seems now with 160K miles on the 4.0, my mechanic tells me it needs a lot more then tires, (estimated $1800 in repairs): Track Bar & Bushings, Drag Bar & Bushings, Pittman arm & bushings, upper & lower ball joints as well etc. For now, I've got new tires and a new stabilizer and it seems ok. But I'm not going on the Interstate until I address these additional issues. I've gotten more that one opinion, that multiple parts are needed to completely prevent Death Wooble from reoccurring. Can you guys give an estimate from Rock Auto, or other places, what the total in parts might be? I have a younger friend who's helping and between the both of us, we've got plenty of resources to tackle this ourselves. Here's one parts estimate from Extreme Terrain. And here's another estimate from Rock Auto.

Thanks For Any Tips!
Mike

GregBelleville · Jul 14, 2026

I've basically refreshed the entire front end on my Jeep, it's got almost 200k on it, so similar situation to yours.

Here's a list of what you should probably address:

Track bar, I upgraded mine to an adjustable one from JKS, but you can just get an OEM replacement if you're not lifting your Jeep
Drag link, you might just need new ends
Tie rod, you might just need new ends rather than a new tie rod
For ball joints, go with Spicer
You should probably check your unit bearings and possibly replace those too if they are worn
Last I just recently replaced by upper control arm bushings that are pressed into the axle. I'd save this job for last, it sucks.

This is probably less than $500 in parts and you can probably get almost all of it on rock auto.

Zorba · Jul 14, 2026

Pittman arm has no bushings.

JC123 · Jul 15, 2026

it seems you already have an estimate from Rock Auto (and another from Extreme Terrain).

In 2018 I spent less than $300 for parts on front end components from Rock Auto but I bought them individually, not a kit like the one your link shows, and it was 8 years ago. That included tie rod ends, steering stabilizer and drag link but not pitman arm or shock mounts and bushings....bottom line: @GregBelleville estimate of "less than $500" seems right to me too

macleanflood · Jul 15, 2026

When you get done with the front end rebuild...and I'd recommend just replacing your control arms with Moog...much easier than pressing in new bushings...

Then the next thing I'd check is all your rubber bits on the Jeep. Crank pulley - check for cracks. Brake hoses. Vent lines to axles and the transfer case. PCV grommets. Upper and lower radiator hoses.

-Mac

GregBelleville · Jul 15, 2026

macleanflood said:
When you get done with the front end rebuild...and I'd recommend just replacing your control arms with Moog...much easier than pressing in new bushings...

Replacing the control arms won't replace the axle side bushings though.

That'll Buff · Jul 15, 2026

WWII-Willys said:
And here's another estimate from Rock Auto.

Do keep in mind that that kit from Rock Auto doesn't include any adjustment collars. While you don't plan to off-road, I'd still probably recommend upgrading to the solid steering from the ZJ. It's probably anecdotal but I found it easier to source the parts at a local auto parts store in a pinch when needed. It also only adds maybe $20-30 to the overall price of completely new steering and is much stronger. It requires 0 modification to any steering components, just bolts in like normal. Here's a picture of the amazon cart total with all Moog parts. Rock Auto's price is similar, only a few dollars cheaper without shipping cost, but you have to cross reference with a Grand Cherokee with the 5.9L V8 to find the tie rod.

Zorba · Jul 15, 2026

GregBelleville said:
Replacing the control arms won't replace the axle side bushings though.

Unfortunately not. What a stupid design THAT is.

Zorba · Jul 15, 2026

JC123 said:
it seems you already have an estimate from Rock Auto (and another from Extreme Terrain).

In 2018 I spent less than $300 for parts on front end components from Rock Auto but I bought them individually, not a kit like the one your link shows, and it was 8 years ago. That included tie rod ends, steering stabilizer and drag link but not pitman arm or shock mounts and bushings....bottom line: @GregBelleville estimate of "less than $500" seems right to me too

I just did this job last Feb. I had pieced everything together over a couple of years, so I don't know the total cost, but it wasn't all that much. I got the ball joints and hubs all for $50 off Craigslist, one of the knuckles was an OEM on closeout for $16, most everything else came from RA, Summit or Warrior Woman. What with a lunchbox locker, new bearings, and some tools, I think the whole thing was still a bit under $1K.

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2004 4.0 - List Of Parts For Front End Rebuild

WWII-Willys

Member

GregBelleville

99 4.0 32rh

Zorba

"The Veiled Male"

JC123

TJ Enthusiast

macleanflood

I break sh!t

GregBelleville

99 4.0 32rh

That'll Buff

New rattle = louder music

Zorba

"The Veiled Male"

Zorba

"The Veiled Male"

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