Noticed a very light creaking sound when I rock the vehicle on drivers side. Ford dealer confirmed I have a bad upper ball joint. I want to do both sides. I need upper control arms and ball joints. Dealer quoted me at over $900 for this. Reason I'm posting, can I drive about 130 miles to my fathers to do this? It would save about $700. The noise just barely started and isn't noticeable in the cab.

Also, is moog the best choice? Thanks.

Yes it should be fine for 130 miles. I'd get moog because they normally have grease fittings

You may need to get an alignment afterwards as well

Can't go wrong with Moog.

Get upper control arms that have removable ball joints, that will save money and labor if the ball joints have to be replaced again down the road.

Thanks guys. The moog upper control arm and ball joint are like $125 from the parts store. I'm going to get those. Passenger side isn't making noise, but I feel it's best to do both.

I'll have the dealer align after.

Do the moog ones normally have removable ball joints?

As far as I know no one makes the upper control arms for the 2004-2008 with removable ball joints. I just replaced my uppers recently. It is not too dificult. I went with Mevotech from Rockauto. They have the greasable joints. If the $125 is for both arms then that is about right. If that is for each peice then I would order online. Both my uppers cost me about that.

They're $125 each at the store. I saw them for $67 online, but I just don't have time to order as I have to drive from New York to Florida later this week. Plus, the dealer wanted to charge me over $900 to replace both upper control arms, so $250 won't kill me.

Lastly, should I go ahead and replace the lower ball joints while I'm at it? The control arms seem easy. Are the lower ball joints any more difficult?

Figured might as well have moog grease able all the way around. How often do you grease them and how much grease do you use?

Thanks!

Lower ball joints can be pressed out of the OEM arms, so don't let the dealer fool you to thinking the lower control arms need replaced as a whole just like the uppers. Will only cost you more money in the end. If you can replace all at once I would. If you wanted to level your truck this is the perfect time as the strut assemblies need removed.

Agree, and will need an alignment anyway.

I haven't had such luck with moog on other trucks (old body style and super duty). Moogs wore out fast, made in china, not the same quality as they used to be. Is there a dana or spicer option? I would get those.

Good idea. Think ill do that. I going to get 4wd shocks (probably montoe reflex). Are my coils the same length? Or do I need to get new coils or coilover assemblies?

Thanks.

If you are doing the change yourself it is much easier to just buy the whole strut/coil tower assembly. Bilstien and Rancho make versions that will level the truck or you can just add the spacer to any OEM style if you do want to level it.

I know you said you were going out of town soon but you might seriously consider Rockauto. Their regular shipping usually gets to me in two days. Even if you had to pay extra for overnight it might offset the cost difference from the local auto parts stores.