My 148,000 mile '97 F-250 LD 4x4 is in need of new lower, possibly upper, ball joints.

I searched the forum for replacing the joints, found several good threads.
But, I'm not sure if I have to disassemble the front end as far as everyone says.
Does the front spindle really have to be totally removed, or can just the lower joint be popped and move the spindle to one side out of the way?
Is there enough room or movement to do it that way??
The uppers should be easier. I may just buy the entire control arm.

I also need new tie rod ends and idler arm but those are easy.

Thanks

 

The uppers are all one piece so that part is easy. If you have never had an alignment done purchase the cam bolts and install them with the new uppers. If you have the cam bolts already installed index mark their position with a felt marker so you can reinstall them in the same place. The lowers can be removed without removing the half shaft. But I will tell you that it makes it a lot easier with the shaft out of the way. When I do mine I use a ball joint press and leave the shaft in place. Sometimes I have to cut the shaft on the ball joint to get it out. The next time I will remove the half sahft. Six 13mm 12 point bolts and the lock nut on the hub. It takes 5 minutes to remove with an impact.

JMC

PS without a press you will need a BFH to pound it out.