txsilverado1

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.

maxfever1987

iTrader: (93)

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

ChrisMan287

iTrader: (34)

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

txsilverado1

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.

txsilverado1

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.

nelledge

iTrader: (6)

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.

txsilverado1

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