Went to have a front end alignment done and the mechanic said I needed lower ball joints. I just bought some new tires and had someone mount them for me that did not have an alignment machine. I took it to this shop just for the alignment. I figured they balked at the alignment because I didn't buy the tires from them and wasn't going to make any money with just an alignment. The truck is a 2005 f150 XLT 4x4 with only 36,000 miles and all stock. Is it likely I need new ball joints with such few miles?

 

It's not uncommon. The ball joints wear out quickly on all the 97-08 F-150's. Mine lasted about 56,000 and my truck is babied. However, I was running larger tires on wide wheels which increased the wear. If you are running a larger tire and/or wheel they may well be worn out.

 

All four of my ball joints were bad. Just changed them (UCA's and lower ball joints) with MOOG parts, with grease fittings. 85,xxx miles.

 

just check em your self. Throw a jack under your lower control arm to load the ball joint then put a pry bar under the tire and pry up and watch to see if the ball joint moves or if theres any play in your tire up or down