i have a 02 f150 4x4 and have been told i need lower ball joints. can i just change the ball joints or do i have to replace the control arm?

 

 

You can replace the lower ball joints themselves. They have to be pressed out. I just did mine in my 03 4x4 and it was tough job. You'll need a ball joint press and large pickle fork. When removing the hub I needed a puller and large socket (forget what size) for the axle nut.

Autozone loaned me all the tools except the socket.

Here's the instructions I used....
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/36...f-150-4x4.html


Good luck!

 

Yeah, it's the uppers that are a one piece assembly with the a-arm.

 

if you can find a piece of pipe that fits the ball joint just right(won't rip the boot but won't slide over the lip) its easy. just put the new ball joint inside the pipe and get it started into the control arm and put a jack under the pipe and you can drive the control arm onto the new ball joint with a hammer. and you can knock the old one out with a hammer after you remove the retaining clip