I am seriously considering buying a '02 F-150 4X4 XLT with 60,000 miles on it---with my trade in, (a POS '98 Stratus with 140,000) the out-the-door cost is $12,800. I took the truck to my mechanic and he said the ball joints felt a like they were a little suspect---needed to be replaced within 15,000 miles. Since I do not have the facilities to work on this myself---is this:

a. normal for this kind of truck
b. what is tht "Usual and customary" cost to replace them.

I love the truck and other than a few minor "warts", this is the biggest problem.

What yall think---I would aprreciate your input.

The ref

 

The lower ball joints is very common high wear item on this trucks and not terribly difficult/expensive to replace.

 

Make the deal based on new balljoints. If they won't do it, walk away. I bet you don't make it to your car.

 

yep make them pay for the repair before you buy dont go on a, well bring it in in a couple weeks have them do it right then or walk.

 

I need to replace balljoints on my '01 F150 and I would also like to replace the lower control arm bushings. Do the bushings simply slide out, or do they need to be pressed out by a shop? Has anyone tried to fashion a removal tool using some all-thread, washers, etc, where you can insert homemade tool between inside of bushings and simply press them out? Thanks,

 

I pressed the bushings out myself. Lower ball joints were a pain in the *** for me, the entire spindle assembly has to come off, then you will need a torch to heat them. I couldnt get them out with an impact and the proper C-clamp ball joint tool. I heated them up and beat them out with the ball on a ballpeen hammer. I acutally used an old socket to be sure I wasnt mushrooming over the top of the ball joint.

 

you don't have to heat em.just put a jack under the lower control arm to put pressure on it and knock the ball joint out with a hammer.it is a good idea to put somethin on top of the ball joint to hit with the hammer to keep from messin up the control arm if you accidentally hit it.then i used an old wagon hub that fit perfect over the new ball joint boot but caught the metal lip on it and put the jack under it and then hit the control arm to drive the ball joint in.worked great.

 

What holds the new balljoints in place? Are they bolted in?