What are the front end components I should replace?

[JC123]

the description on the shop ticket is less than clear (to me) about what is needed and when I asked the response was "essentially the whole front end". From what I've read this is something I can do myself and would like to but I've never done anything with the front end on any car so my first challenge is to understand what components need to be replaced.
this is for a 2000 wrangler I6, 4.0L automatic.

so starting at the tie rod ends, what are the components I should replace?
1. tie rod ends (are there more than one on each side and how do i determine if I need left-hand thread vs. right-hand thread)?
2. tie rod (is this same as track bar)?
3. control arm (is there an upper and lower and are both typically replaced at the same time)?
4. sway bar link?
5. drag links?
6. anything else?

I appreciate everyone's help and patience with by basic questions.

Jerry

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Sounds like your shop's owner has a big boat payment coming up after a comment ("essentially the whole front-end") like that. What problem are you trying to fix, how many miles are on your Jeep, and what size tires are you running?

 

[skrelnik]

Sounds like the shop owner is trying to overwhelm you with stuff to do that may not be neccessary. As Jerry stated, are you having any issues that warrant part changes? Here is a picture of your suspension that will help you learn about a few parts.

 

[LukesfirstJeep]

jc123,

When I bought my jeep, the handling felt loose. I had a local garage do a fluid changed and check my suspension. Everything checked out, but the bushings in sway bar links and control arms were a little worn. When I installed a lift kit, new sway bars links and control arms were installed with new bushings. My handling is much improved.

If your not lifting your jeep, replacing those bushings should help and not cost too much.

FWIW, I'm running 32" tires.

 

[JC123]

so i bought the jeep recently from my sister, sight unseen and took it to a shop that specializes in land rovers and jeeps for a "pre-purchase" inspection. I had not been to them before. their labor rates are higher than the mechanic I normally go to and I've found the parts they identified for less than they quoted so it has crossed my mind that someone has a boat payment due. other than the prices I have no reason to doubt their advice. so I'm mostly reacting to their list not so much trying to fix a problem that I diagnosed. I guess I could take it to my regular mechanic for a second opinion but so far have just been working my way through the list - battery, drive belt and pulleys, and oxygen sensors so far. front end was next on the list.

a friend with more experience than me detected some play in the wheels which I understand is an indication that the tie rod ends need to be replaced.

it's stock - no lift. 30" tires on 15" wheels. when I first started driving it, I thought there was play in the steering but being my first jeep, can't tell if it is normal jeep steering.

thanks for the picture skrelnik, that helps.

 

[MaloStapalo]

Easiest thing to do is go look at the front end of your jeep with the picture from above and come up with what you want to replace. Jeeps are relatively easy to work on. Lots of DIY videos online and people willing to help.

 

[JC123]

good advice MaloStapolo. I'm watching videos now and getting familiar with the components and how to replace. part of my confusion is the terminology but I think I'm starting to get it.

thanks.

 

[MaloStapalo]

good advice MaloStapolo. I'm watching videos now and getting familiar with the components and how to replace. part of my confusion is the terminology but I think I'm starting to get it.

thanks.

You're welcome. The tj front end is actually really straight forward to replace. What's your end goal? Build for wheeling or build for daily driver oem type?

My opinion is if you're building for trails then if you have to replace then spend a little more now to upgrade and be set for the entire build. Such as upgraded track bar and toe rod, tie rod ends, control arms, etc.

 

[JMT]

There’s no reason to go replacing front end pieces unless you have a problem. Maybe the tie rod ends need to be replaced, if you have side to side play in them. Answer Jerrry’s questions above. You can always do a dry steering test. Sit under the Jeep and have someone behind the wheel turn form 10-2 back and forth and watch the components. See if there is play anywhere. That’s how you diagnose, then fix what you need to and leave the rest. My .02c

 

[skrelnik]

You're welcome. The tj front end is actually really straight forward to replace. What's your end goal? Build for wheeling or build for daily driver oem type?

My opinion is if you're building for trails then if you have to replace then spend a little more now to upgrade and be set for the entire build. Such as upgraded track bar and toe rod, tie rod ends, control arms, etc.

+1

As stated, try to determine if you want this as your daiky driver or if you intend to take off road. At that point you can figure out if you want OEM parts or aftermarket offroad goodies.

As an example, if you intent to change the tie rod ends, the ZJ upgrade is a good option

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/zj-tie-rod-conversion.2373/

 

[JC123]

thank you all. I'll take your advice and be a little more intentional about what I replace.

 

[EBunker]

Sounds like the shop owner is trying to overwhelm you with stuff to do that may not be neccessary. As Jerry stated, are you having any issues that warrant part changes? Here is a picture of your suspension that will help you learn about a few parts.

View attachment 56770

I know this is an old post, but I'm and old man with an old TJ and you've helped greatly. Thank You!