I just finished spending 4 days fixing a wrecked 99 Max. I replaced the control arms, oil pan and pickup tube, a/c compressor, compressor bracket, front crank seal, camshaft position sensor seal, front wheels, front brakes, and left drive axle. I got it back on it's 4 feet and the front end was obviously out of alignment. I hopped in to drive it on my maiden voyage for an alignment. I got about 1 mile and the left axle popped out of the tranny. I can only assume the K-Frame is bent. I didn't see anything obvious, but I can't think of anything else that could allow it to go so severely toed out. "And it is one duck footed quacker!" Well, I have another K-frame. Sorrily, I am all out of time. So, far I am almost $2k into it and I doubt it's much more than a $2500 car. I know this is my hobby, but why don't I let broken cars die and buy ones already driving? Ok, I am stepping off of my soap box now.

 

you spent to 2k? wat exactly cost you that much though? and did the axle completely fall out?

 

You should've just parted it out and bought another one..

 

I paid $750 for the car, then $500 for whatever I wanted from a parts car. However, once I got into the parts car, I discovered it was pretty worn out. For example, the A/C compressor had a leak, the control arm bushings were shot, the oil pan had been used as a jack point. I hammered it back out, but the drain plug nut plate had pulled away from the pan. Anyway, I am so far into it, I hate to part it out now. Besides, The engine looked good inside, and it runs good. Then add roughly $500 in random stuff such as belts, bushings, fluids, cleaners, gaskets, seals, A/C compressor, drive axle, and other stuff I am not thinking about right now. That equals out to $1750 with 2 days vacation pay, cuts, bruises and soreness.
As far as the axle, it just pulled out of the transmission because the hub worked it's way outboard while driving. I am going to get some comparison measurements between the L&R cotrol arm bracket mounting bolt holes on the k-frame/crossmember when I get time. That way I will be able to confirm if it is bent or not. I am an aircraft mechanic by trade and normally go all-out on repairs by nature. So, it has been a real challenge to go salvage on this project to start with. It probably needs new struts and strut mounts as well, but I am really starting to get cheap due to the dough I have already put out.

 

I went ahead and ordered a set of new loaded control arms and tie rod ends. That combined with the replacement K-frame AKA cross member should do the trick.

 

Curious. What did you pay for the control arms and tie rods? I've got a new set I need to sell since I don't have my 4th anymore.

 

$124.15 including shipping with all 4 tie rod ends off of ebay.