Greetings, my 1998 F150 4X4 developed an interesting squeak last night as I pulled my truck into the parking lot. Upon inspection, I found it to be the lower ball joints. Can this be fixed by mortal man, or do I have to be in possession of a large press? Your help is greatly appreciated.

Tim

 

Did mine in the drive way with a press from autozone and a good impact gun.

 

yupp as long as u can rent the ball joint press its simple...still got to do mine some day soon

 

Well, I called autozone after reading my Haynes manual. According to the Haynes manual, the lower control arm and ball joint are a modular unit. The ball joint cannot be removed and be replaced. Autozone said that this is false, so did Napa. I called another Autozone, and they said under the special instructions tab, it stated that it is a modular unit. I need some Ford clarification. 1998 FordF150 4X4 4.6L high performance machine.

Thanks,

Tim

 

you can replace the lower ball joints without replacing the lower control arms.

 

upper control arms are a one piece with the upper ball joints.

lowers are separate from the lower control arms

 

Well, I have attempted to take the lower ball joint off...to no avail, it seems that the axle is blocking its removal after I have broken it loose. Do I have to disassemble the axle...or remove the complete lower control arm? I have been following my dad's philosophy as to take as little apart as possible. Please help.

thanks, Tim

 

You just prob the axle up and out of the way

 

I made this way more difficult than had to be...first time working on a front end. I appreciate all the advice. The '98 now rides like a Cadillac. Those ball joints had to have been bad for years.

Again, Thanks to all.

Tim

 

I'm glad I found this post...my front end developed a squeak like yours and my truck shakes like hell at certain speeds, so I think my ball joints may need replaced and possibly tie rod ends since the boots are busted. Where did you purchase the ball joints and price please?

 

I just replaced mine. They were pretty loose and adding the lift and bigger tires I wanted to make sure I was good to go. I installed MOOG greaseable lower ball joints in mine. Got them from O'Reily auto parts. If anything - they are better than oem (at least that's what I've been told). Was a PIA job to do but I got it done!

 

Got mine replaced by my mechanic....and a hair under 800 bucks later, no more squeak. Getting my heater core replaced on wednesday too. There goes another 800.

 

So is replacing just the LOWER ball joints enough? I read that the uppers have to be pressed in the CA. Should I change upper as well?

 

I got all 4 replaced at the same time. If one goes out the others are sure to follow suit fairly soon.

 

Any hints to make this job easier? The rubber boot on my lower right ball joint is shot.