'98 Ball Joint Replacement
 

Hey guys, I need a little advice. I am going to change the upper and lower ball joints on my '98 F-150, something I have never done before, and a don't know what to expect. I bought Moog replacement parts, and was reading the instruction paper that came with the kit, and it mentioned that I will have to press the old ball joints out, and the new ones back in. Is there any other way to do this, since I do not have a press? I can use a BFH, but it specifically says NOT to do this. What about the rubber spacers on the upper arm? There is two of them where the bolts go through the frame and they are very cracked. Can I get these at a local parts house or are these harder to come by?

Any advice you can give me will be much appreciated.

Do a search on this site for "ball joints".

I posted my results with my 1999 F150 with 4 wheel drive.

The upper control arms are purchased with new bushings and ball joints.

You need to remove and replace the upper control arms, and that will solve the issue of the cracked bushings.

The lower ball joints are a "press out and press in operation". The lower ball joints have a big retaining ring that needs to be removed, and then you will need a ball joint press to remove and replace. DO NOT try the BFH method, as it can damage the new ball joint and control arm.

If you have never done this type of work before, I have some advice: Buy a Ford Service Manual -or-, get an experienced person to help you.

You will need:

1. 36mm 1/2" drive socket, and a 1/2" socket set
2. Pickle fork to separate the ball joints from the spindle
3. Tie rod end separator
4. Ball joint press
5. Jack stands and jack
6. Air tools not required, but are really helpful
7. Some penetrating oil, like PB Blaster
8. Grease gun to lube the joints

This job is pretty much a dirty, but strait forward remove and replace.

You will need a front end alignment when you are done.

I would also consider replacing the sway bar end links, and check the tie rod ends as well.

However, I suggest that you get the knowledge or the help to do it.

The parts for my job cost $200 from Rock Auto, and about 3.5 hours of labor.

Thanks for the guideance. The job does not look all that hard, once I get everthing together I will need. I appreciate you heading me in the right direction.

I almost forgot - you will also need a 0-150 foot pound torque wrench to tighten the new fasteners.

If you have other questions, just ask.