Recently I had noise issues with turns so I had my CV axles changed and all because the symptoms were a match but it appeared to have no effect. Then I was advised to take a look into my stabilizer bar bushings so today I figured I'd lift the car up and take a look. Now the cracks are very visible but I am not sure whether or not its bad enough because Ive never done suspension work myself before. I also found some other stuff that looked a bit unusual to me so I thought I'd check it out with you guys.

2001 Blazer LT 4x4
Passenger side:
Stabilizer bar:
http://i60.tinypic.com/2d3yhj.jpg
Cracks
http://i60.tinypic.com/adlow1.jpg
Now what seemed unusual is that the upper rubber where it first meets the control arm is pressed on one side and the other side is completely open.
http://i62.tinypic.com/21ahimb.jpg
This pic is from the side and it shows the back.

Does this look normal besides the cracks and the tears?

Upper Ball joint:
http://i60.tinypic.com/2uh94l5.jpg
I noticed the grease so I took a closer look and same thing, the side thats to the wheel seems to have all the pressure on it.
http://i59.tinypic.com/3146jwj.jpg
Tried to block the light to get a better shot.

Again not sure if this is a problem or all fine..

Drivers Side:
Tie Rod:
http://i60.tinypic.com/2dcg2sz.jpg
Up in this side the tie rod rubber is torn

Upper Ball joint:
http://i60.tinypic.com/k3x0g5.jpg
Like the passengers side, the position looks weird to me but atleast no grease.

Stabilizer bar bushings:
http://i61.tinypic.com/15yoex.jpg
http://i61.tinypic.com/2vd4p40.jpg
Just like the other side.


What do you guys think?
Which ones are bad enough to be changed?

 

Tbars cranked?

 

This probably has nothing to do with the clicking, but in your previous thread you mentioned having had the ball joints recently replaced. I thought you meant both upper and lower ball joints. The image of the upper ball joint still looks like the factory rivets are present. Did you only replace the lower ball joints? Are the boots on the upper ball joints coming loose at the base?

Again, probably not causing clicking, but the sway bar end links have certainly seen better days, I would replace them. The tie rod boot looks torn as well.

These are things I would think the shop that did your previous suspension work would have pointed out... Just my $0.02

 

I see, and yes only the lower ones were replaced and for the upper ones The boots feel really firm.
And the mechanic told me the suspension is just good and any other repairs would be necessary but that was when I first bought the car on August. After that I've taken it on some light off roading which is when I started hearing the noises right the day after so I believe it was just okay before i started putting stress on the old parts.

I guess I will have to take a look at the steering system next, who knows

 

Like I asked, the ball joint and axle look as if the t bar is cranked heavy

 

I believe you are talking about the torsion bar? As to that I am not sure what the answer to that would be. I have never ever touched it, maybe previous owners..

 

I would recommend replacing the upper ball joints. They are riveted so they are most likely still factory, or someone has replace the entire control arm. Also, the sway bar end links are really cheap and easy to replace, I would definately do them.

 

How likely is it for it to be factory rather than just a new control arm? I mean this car has 128k miles and with the rate that its eating through suspension parts it seems very unlikely

 

Ya bro replace them, youtube is a wonderful tool to use to see how its done.
I just finished viewing how to do it. Seems all fairly straightforward, except the fact you have to push up via jack or something the wheel while the rig is on stands/lift.

I will wait to do mine as I can rent a mechanics bay with lift and air tools, but its not necessary for me now. I have other more important things to repair on my rig. Its funny cuz my safety report states my suspension is all good, yet I bottom out so I think my Ranchos RS9000's are toast, or just the one that leaks.

 

"tbars cranked" is referring to the torision bars adjusted tigher so that the front is raised; ie "lifted" Trouble is that is puts all the suspension components out of alignment and under more stress than normal.

Provide what size tires are on and measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the wheel arch, along the center line of the front wheels.

But reading that there are Rancho RS9000's on there, pretty safe bet that the tbars have been cranked to give the "lifted" look.

Probably time to undo the crank and put them back where they are supposed to be.
Easy to do; try youtube for videos on how to crank them...just do the opposite.