Hi,
I have a 2001 F150 4X4 with 140 K miles. I am the original owner and just took the truck in for an alignment. They claim the ball joints are shot. Traveling Ohio roads no doubt they are. I have closed full service shop (only work on my family vehicles now) and would like to do a complete suspension rebuild. Anything that could have wear I want to replace.

Does any company have a full kit available? It's my personal vehicle so I want good USA stuff if possible. Looking for ball joints/ tie rods/ bushings etc.

Also conflicting information. Some say I have to buy new control arms others say I can use a press to remove the joints. I checked Rock Auto and they show must buy control arms for the top and press in the bottoms.

Appreciate any guidance!

John

 

On the 97-03 trucks the upper ball joints are a one piece assembly with the control arms. While you are at it, the tie rod ends and idler arm are also high wear items on our trucks.

 

I have the same situation. Brought truck in for alignment. Tie rod ends worn, and ball joints need replacing. Had them replace all tie rod ends. Need to do ball joints. Cost $563 with alignment. Estimate for ball joints. Lower $468, upper 425, both sides

2000 fi50 4x4 89,000 miles

 

are we talking $1500

 

It's not that hard to do yourself. I did my upper and lower ball joints, tie rods, and stabilizer links last year on my 97 4x4. Took me 5 hours to do all four ball joints less than 2 hours on the tie rods and maybe half an hour for the links. Cost for parts at Murrays $138.00 total for ball joints, around $50.00 total for tie rods, and less than $25.00 for the links. So for $250.00 or so its something you can do in your garage. Upper control arm and ball joint comes as a unit, lowers are pressed out with a small tool most auto parts stores have for loan if you purchase the parts from them. Just my thoughts.