I just tried to get my F150 Screw a state inspection in New Hampshire. They told my wife it needs lower ball joints.

So I searched the forums, looked at Parts Galaxy, and read my AllDataDIY online info...

Ball Joints are not replaced by Ford, only the whole lower control arm. Which looks like $334 worth of parts.

I see some members have just replaced their ball joints with Moog models with grease ports. If I do this what else is entailed?

ie: alignment? need special tools?

Can the lower control arm be seperated from the factory ball joint and have it replaced with an aftermarket ball joint?

 

Hey there caveman! The lower ball joints on F150s can easily pounded out of the lower control arms. Using a greasable aftermarket joint is what I would recommend. Ford is trying to use only control arm replacement right now as a way to lower their warranty costs. By making Ford techs replace the whole lower control arm for the same amount of pay as just replacing the ball joint. Obviously the techs don't want more work for the same pay. But yes the ball joint can be replaced separately, and should not need an alignment afterwards, unless you notice some bent or otherwise damaged frontend or suspension components.

 

how much of the wheel assembly do you have to pull apart.

I looked at it last night and am worried I have to disassemble the brake (caliper/rotar) just to have enough clearance to get the joint in and out of the lower control arm.

 

On my 1997 the local Ford dealer replaced the lower balljoints. The mechanic that repaired mine also owned a F150 and mentioned that he has never had to replace upper balljoints.

 

Yes, the entire side of the axle must be disassembled to replace the ball joint. If you have a 2wd this requires removing the rotor, caliper, tie rods, sway bar, and then the spindle from the control arm. If its a 4x4 it will require removing the rotor, caliper, tie rod, sway bar, bearing assembly, knuckle, and you may want to remove the CV shaft for more room to work, but thats up to you. This will be a somewhat involved process since there is alot of assembly/disassembly work. You will also need things like a good torque wrench and ball joint press. You need to make sure that the new ball joint is torqued in correctly so its seated right or you will be replacing it again soon.