my 97 f150 requires new lower ball joints (176,000 miles on them). has anybody replaced these before? how tuff of a job can it be? any tips or problems? looking for help bfore i tackle project. its my DD, so it has to be an after work before you go to bed type so you can drive it back to work job!

 

I have a 97' that i just replaced both upper and lower. No it's not a hard job especially if you have the right tools. I went to Advance and picked up the Balljoint tool kit on the loan a tool program. This in my opinion is the only way to go. With this tool kit I did all of mine in about 4hr.s start to finish. Personaly I also then had the front end alighned, which I do any time I do front end work. But just bottom BJ's you might not need it done. It can be done with a big hammer and a BJ seprator but is much harder and takes longer.

 

i just replaced mine with my lift. i would highly suggest renting the tool 1/2breed stated. its $163 at advance auto parts. if you do rent the tool don't put the rubber boot on and then press it in. put the boot after you have the ball joint in the lca.