Need advice on front suspension overhaul

Chris2004

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Jul 2, 2020
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Los Angeles
My '04 TJ has never had any work done on the front suspension and now that it has 200k miles, it has a ton of vibration at highway speeds. Are there any recommended kits that basically replace everything that can wear out? I have no lift or any other mods.

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Nothing seems loose, but I don't know what I am looking for.

Things that are loose! 🤣

You can do a steering test. Someone turns the steering wheel 10-2 while you watch the components and put your hands (cautiously) on components to find play. Steering damper likely shot. Look at your bushings on control arms. Raise front tire and wedge a long bar under the 🛞 and use it as leverage to see how much play you have in the ball joints. Should have a little up and down but none side to side. At 200k everything needs a refresh. You should also replace your shocks on all four corners. Rancho 5000X shocks.
 
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At 200k everything needs a refresh. You should also replace your shocks on all four corners.

That ^

TRW, Moog, Spicer, Koyo and Timken are my preferred stock replacement part go-to brands if using non-OEM parts. TRW and Spicer are some of the OEM suppliers.
 
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Brands are super helpful! Thanks! I added some pictures. Nothing seems loose, but I don't know what I am looking for.
Your description of it having a lot of vibration is a bit contrary to the symptoms one might encounter if all the controlling bits were shot.

Before you fire the parts cannon at it, get the tires balanced perfectly and go from there.

Loose handling, sloppy steering, rattles over bumps, clunking, etc. would be what I'd expect to hear if everything needed replacing.
 
Looks like you front diff is weeping a bit...could also be leaks from above like the valve cover gasket. Might want to regasket those too. Assuming we're going full parts cannon... =)

-Mac
 
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My '04 TJ has never had any work done on the front suspension and now that it has 200k miles, it has a ton of vibration at highway speeds. Are there any recommended kits that basically replace everything that can wear out? I have no lift or any other mods.

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Another good wear item to inspect and possibly replace would be your transmission mount and motor mounts. If either of those are worn out they will contribute to vibrations.
 
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My '04 TJ has never had any work done on the front suspension and now that it has 200k miles, it has a ton of vibration at highway speeds. Are there any recommended kits that basically replace everything that can wear out? I have no lift or any other mods.

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Rotate the tires front to rear and see if the vibration goes with it.you probably need a balance.then a dry steering trst like jmt said. That will let you know what needs work. Do not buy one of the front end kits from detroit auto or others. They have extremely low quality parts.

My main concern would be the leaking coolant on the bottom of the radiator and leaking transmission cooler line
 
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Do not buy one of the front end kits from detroit auto or others. They have extremely low quality parts.

I second that. Avoid pre packaged kits, they're almost guaranteed to contain bottom-of-the-barrel parts to make that price look better. I once called a vehicle specific restoration company and asked who the manufacturer(s) was for their "front-end kit". The guy on the line said "hell if we know." :ROFLMAO: I thanked him for his honesty and pieced together my suspension with my preferred brands.
 
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I’m in the same boat as OP. Stock everything for me too. Is it worth getting an adjustable front track bar, or just a fixed length moog.

Also when I do a dry steering test it almost looks like my track bar moves in the axle mount hole… how do I remedy that?
 
Fixed length track bar unless you have a lift and either use a bigger bolt or repair the bracket with a weld washer. Might be able to tighten it down further...but I'd repair the bracket. Make sure it's not the bushing first.

-Mac