98 Expy, 98k miles, Replaced outer tie rods and while I had
the wheels off I was checking the ball joints, Noticed that I
had vertical movement when I lifted up on the spindle assy.
I had it supported by the floor jack. There was no in and out
movement ? Is this vertical movement normal ?

Thanks

ougo

 

nope they are bad.

 

Change them max allowable play is 1/32 of an inch approx 30 thou.

 

Actually the specification says maximum play of 1/32 (.030) in a lateral direction, parallel to the ground. You measure lateral movement with a dial indicator. The ball joints are spring loaded in the vertical direction so you _can_ get vertical movement in a still good (but slightly worn) ball joint.
I failed a MA state inspection at 65k in my Exp 4x4. They looked for vertical play, and said that is how the the state requires them to check ball joints, the old school way. I measured lateral movement and saw close to .030, so I had them changed at a dealer. I saw no vertical movement on the new ones. The truck rode no differently. I have seen posts on the Exp Digest where guys changed them at 60k, and others who still had the originals at over 120k.
Check them per the Ford tech manual and then you will know if they are bad.