ive got an 04 fx4 with a 2 1/2" autospring, i just noticed recently that the upper ball joint boots are MANGLED. i fear the ball joints are not far behind.
so, is mine a fluke? or do they all do this? is it just the 2 1/2" or do the 2" do it as well? im not prepared to give up my leveling kit. im currently considering/designing a custom upper a-arm, using either a heim joint or uniball to cure the problem.

 

i ruptured the seal on my passenger side ball joint during installation of my leveling kit, but i haven't noticed any additional tearing or unusual wear of the boot. i plan on replacing the ball joint this summer before it becomes an issue and starts effecting my alignment and eating tires.

 

That's no surprise. Adding a leveling kit throws off the suspension angles and that will surely eat your ball joints. Especially if you drive off road or on rough pavement a lot. And if the F150 is anything like the Ranger, those ball joints will cost an arm and a leg to get installed.
Has anybody actually had to replace their ball joints on thier 04+ F150 yet?

 

i think i remember hearing they come with the a arm, which means big money. im not prepared to give up my leveled truck, i am ready to fab whatever it takes, might even go long travel.(i spend my weekends building a baja bug, i have suspension/fab experience).

 

Here is your solution....

 

thats exactly what i had planned, only to build my own. could also engineer them to allow more travel

 

You are going to drive your truck with a "HOMEMADE" upper control arm???

 

should be interesting to see if there are any trucks developing problems with there leveling kits.there should be some trucks with enough miles on to see how durable the ball joints are.

 

verrry interesting- will be checking mine when i get in the truck to go to school in the am (2.5" as)- hey tex, do you have a link or a cost for those upper arms?

 

I beleive the pair runs in the $500 to $600 range...

Here is the link.. http://www.chaosfab.com/fordf150.html

 

they are expensive because you have to buy king shocks or racerunner shocks.

 

i have the 2 1\2 inch kit .has anybody had any problems with the 2 inch kit?thinking about the bilstein leveling shock because you can adjust it from 0-2 inches.i just don't like the front sitting so low.

 

I have the 2in AutoSpring No clunking at all

 

how are the ball joints?

 

i priced the upper control arms on fordparts.com it had them for around 70 each. the install would be about the same difficulty as installing the leveling kit.
i know the bilstein shocks that level the front end are new, but have any of you heard of problems with premature wear since they have the spring over extended putting most of the weight and work on the shock alone?