I noticed while doing my brakes on my 97 f150 4x4 that my lower ball joint on the drivers side had a little wobble in it. I looked into parts and the ball joint is availible, however in the haynes or chilton manual(i don't remember which, i looked at them both) said you have to replace the whole lower control arm, the other book didn't even tell anything about it, they just skipped it. I noticed that a lot of parts suppliers list the control arm with the ball joint attached right next to the joint in their books. When you look at it, it looks like you would just pull a snap ring and take the nut off, then you could force it out, anyone know what the story is with this? Can I get away with just a $30 joint, or do I have to get an $80 control arm and an alignment.

thanks
mike

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1997 f150 4x4
extended cab, xlt
4.6, 5 speed 3.55 gears

 

Mike D,

I have a 2WD, and I know both upper and lower control arms are different than yours. And as far as upper balljoints, you must replace the control arm. But on the lower ball joints, if the part number is available, you should be able to press the old one out and press a new one in. On my 2WD lower ball joint, there is a snap ring on the top as a safety measure, and I have personally changed mine out. If your ball joints are similar, then rent a ball joint press and change it out. Hopefully someone else has first hand knowledge.



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99 F150 XLT SC 2WD, Fabtech 7 1/2" Ultimate Long Travel Lift, 3" body lift, Centerlines with 35" BFG Mud Terrains.