I have a 97 F-150 4x4 with 160k and the passenger side upper ball joint needs replaced badly. Both my upper control arms look like they could stand to be replaced as well. While I'm at it I think I'll replace the lower ball joints and the whole upper control arms. If the tie rods appear to be okay should I go ahead and replace them as well while I've got it torn apart? What else would I want to check when doing this?

Lastly, I have learned to go Motorcraft for plugs, wires etc. What about these front end parts, is aftermarket okay? eBay has pretty good prices on entire kits. Any brands to stay away from?

 

Make sure the parts you buy have grease fittings. The new Motocraft parts do. A lot of people speak highly of Moog parts.