How hard is it to replace the lower ball joints, and a 4x4 2000 F150? I know they are pressed in, but don't know if it is a job I could do myself, or have it done by a mechanic?

 

the lowers are press in, you can do them yourself if you have a balljoint press
matt

 

please let me know how it goes. I need to do the same thing.. PM me or anything, thank man

 

Just watch this excellent video. I am going to do mine this spring / summer. I don't think mine are bad, but with 112K, and unknown if they have ever been done. Figure they are due.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkXYXgWBzSg

 

That video is pretty good. I suggest replacing uppers and lowers at the same time as well. For uppers, you replace the entire upper control arm. I went with Moog cause the bj's are removable and have a zerk fitting to grease. These are pretty easy once it is all broken apart. Lowers were more of a pain and this video is the first time I have seen someone hammer them out like that! I used the ball joint press to both remove and install. I got my press from Napa...they run the credit card and will charge if you dont bring it back...it is essentially free to borrow. For bj's, I went with Moog as well and they also come with zerks.

When breaking apart, I just undo the nut of both the upper and lower uca's and beat the spindle with a hammer. The pressure of the springs will force them apart and keeping the nut on keeps the everything from flying apart. I use a jack to support the lower uca and remove the nut. Lower the jack slowly to release the spring pressure. This part of the removal can be dangerous cause that spring is under a lot of pressure. I really didn't see it in this guy's video though which surprised me. Remember if you have a lift or spacer, that spring may be under a lot more pressure. Once you do this job, you will see that it is not that hard, but does take some time to do it right, and safely.

 

Yea, I don't know why he beat the ball joint out when he had the press

 

Description w/ pics ... How to replace the ball joints on your 97-03 4X4

 

I decided that I'd take on this job after I took in for alignment and was told the UBJ and LBJ's were bad.

I picked up Moog Upper control arms, lower ball joints and outer tie rod ends, but had a couple questions hoping someone can assist-

I am going to jack my 98 F-150 (2wd) up (of course)...should I disassemble the upper control arms\etc with my spring fully expanded (no support of jack underneath lower control) or is it better to do this with the coil spring compressed (meaning a jack underneath to lift the lower control arm up 1/2 compressed)? Looking at the vid, this guy appears to be fully extended.

I started this job yesterday, got cold feet and put it back together. I have the rented pickle fork and BJ press from Kragen already.....Just want to make sure I am taking the best route!

Thanks