On a normal vehicle, you just grab the wheel and wiggle it. I jacked up the front of my truck from the control arm and grabbed the wheel and there is no play.

My mechanic says the lowers need replaced.

I've heard you cannot do the wiggle test with Ford. How do I go about it then? When he checked, he used a pry bar and it did move a little.

I am going to replace them with my Gfs, Sisters BF whom used to be a mechanic.

1997 F-150 4.6 4x4

 

Well the shop that tested mine used a long bar...to to test the lowers the ran the bar parallel with the truck (front to back) lowers will not move alot but you can tell when there shot. The uppers are easier to detect by the same method.

 

They moved... I've replaced ball joints before but not on a Ford truck, that is why I am asking.

 

Well you should not be able to move them very much or they need replaced. I guess you will have to use your own judgment on that....Oh and they ain't much diff from anything else to change.

 

Easy to change... basically unplug the abs sensor wire from under the hood on the inner fender, pull the caliper, cv axle nut (36mm), tie rod and upper control arm (21mm), Lower control arm (24?mm)... remove the steering knuckle, pull the retainer clip on te BJ press it out, press the new one in and put it back together! easy as that...

Oh and to check em jack till the tire's off the ground put a bar under 90* from the tire and pull up and release... any movement, replace... buy greasables... 23 bucks at auto zone will do

 

I bought the top of the line ones from Napa for $30ish each, and the uppers for $70ish each. Won't replace uppers unless they really need to be.

 

Do I need a camber kit?