Hello

I have a 1998 Exp. and need to change both driver side ball joints. I have changed ball joints on my F150, but did not have 4 Wheel Drive. What do I have to look forward too?

Thanks

 

Well, I have a 2000 Expedition.... lifted (myself) and all other maintenance I have done myself... (Jet Aircraft Mechanic here) lol

Anyhow, it's not too bad.. Get the thing on Jackstands, pull the wheel, remove the brake caliper leave brake line connected and carefully swing out of the way, prop it on a block. You will have to remove the dust cap, and the castle nut that holds the wheel hub to the spindle... (as if you were going to change bearings) .. once the wheel hub/rotor are off, you should remove tension by disconnecting the lower end of the shock (support the lower A-Arm with a Jack) Once the shock is disconnect lower the jack so the arm extends fully down. Next you need to remove the spindle from the lower arm (making sure its fully extended)... then remove spindle from the upper arm. You should now be able to remove the spindle.

Now using a set of Ball joint pullers (Ball joint forks) slide it between the ball joints and A-arm... ensure you remove the C-Clips from the back of the ball joint... and after a few hits with a hammer they should come out... Upper and lower removal are the same for the most part.. Clean the hole-inserts where the ball joints came out from to ease installation of new (and usually painted) ones.. And reassamble in the same manner.. One side will prob take you 4 hours first time.. next time you have to .. maybe 2-3

** Reread your post... is your Expy a 4x4??? You didn't say it was..but by your comment of your F-150 I am assuming it is.. if so.. only difference is disconnecting universals from the hub and since 4x4 will be off, they will spin freely so its fairly easy***

Hope this helps...

 

Thanks for your help!