I need to replace both upper and lower ball joints on my '97 f150 4x - unfortunately, my circumstances right now do not allow me to take on this chore myself.
Can anyone give me an idea what i should reasonably be paying to have a garage do this?

$$ parts + labor/time + alignment = ???

 

I also have a 97 F150 4x4, and I just had both the top and both of the bottom ball joints replaced. I had it at the dealer to fix my 4x4 linkage, and the said I needed them all replaced. The quote they gave me totaled about
$900. I said no to them and took it to my mechanic to see what he thought.
He said that they did need to be replaced, and quoted me $800. He said
the Ford parts were a 12 month warranty without grease fittings, and his
were lifetime warranty with grease fittings. I went with my mechanic.
The truck handles a lot better....and is safe now.
Both prices included an alignment.

 

i think the 97 ball joints in the 4wd come already in the control arms. have to replace the whole assembly.not really that diffucult if you have the tools.

 

Yes, but lowers are a pain the in a$$. I did it myself and saved around $1000. For inner and outer tie rods, upper and lower ball joints I was quoted around $1260. I did it myslef for around $275 with lifetime warranty stuff. You will also need a front end alignment afterwards.

 

i invested in a air compresser, best money i ever spent. impact gun can be your best friend lol.

 

What does an impact gun have to do with ball joints?

 

I just got my ball joints done $230, this is how damaged mine were...

 

ok were getting some mixed signals i think. i work at a shop its right around $400 for us to do it , thats life time on parts and 3 months labor, also the alignment is 6 month 6000miles warrenty. the top ball joints are in the upper control arm this is just one unit. the lowers come out of the control arm so you just replace the ball joint its self. there is a balljoint tool that is out there (its like a big C-clamp with a treaded peice of metal that pushes the ball joint out (aka use impact) there are cups for differant style control arms also. expensive kit if u buy quality but worth it if u do more then just 2 or 3 in your life. some times you can beat the old ones out with an air hammer instead of the unit but putting them in i would highly recommend using the tool NOT an air hammer. it can damage, or put it in unstraight.