lower balljoint replacement
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Susquehanna Valley, pa.
a good tip for installing the new ball joints, throw them in the freezer. leave in there overnight if possible then pull them out and press them in right away. by freezing them they will shrink a few thousandths and go in a little easier.
i did all 4 joint last year along with 4 new shocks. only took a few hours. i would have been quicker if i wasn't drinking.
at work i press in bearings in equipment but, if i freeze them in liquid nitrogen i can just tap them in if quick enough.
i did all 4 joint last year along with 4 new shocks. only took a few hours. i would have been quicker if i wasn't drinking.
at work i press in bearings in equipment but, if i freeze them in liquid nitrogen i can just tap them in if quick enough.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Jersey shore
My Chiltons says that the 97 upper and lower ball joints can't be serviced. They must be replaced with the control arms as 1 unit. Is this true? I can buy just the ball joints without the arms. I have a Haynes book but I can't locate it to compare.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Susquehanna Valley, pa.
Originally Posted by 6T6CPE
My Chiltons says that the 97 upper and lower ball joints can't be serviced. They must be replaced with the control arms as 1 unit. Is this true? I can buy just the ball joints without the arms. I have a Haynes book but I can't locate it to compare.
you will also need an alignment so get the cam bolts for the upper A-arms.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Jersey shore
Originally Posted by lees99f150
i know for sure on my 99 the upper gets replaced as an assembly with the A-arm. the bottom just presses in. in think it cost me $200ish for all 4. either Get Moog or Spicer. they are greaseable.
you will also need an alignment so get the cam bolts for the upper A-arms.
you will also need an alignment so get the cam bolts for the upper A-arms.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Eau Claire / Milwaukee, WI; USA
Originally Posted by gemstar
I have to replace the lower balljoints on my 97 F150 4X4. I have never attempted the press fit ones before. My friendly neighborhood auto parts store let me borrow a tool to press out the old ones he said with a chuckle have fun!
how long can I expect this job to take and are there any tips or tricks that may save some headaches? Thanks for any help.
how long can I expect this job to take and are there any tips or tricks that may save some headaches? Thanks for any help.
Check out this thread. https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=191889
In it I detailed the replacement procedures for both upper and lowers.
You can go to this thread to see where I got the experience I applied to my brother-in-laws truck. https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=12148
Good Luck,
Doug