So I took the truck in for an alignment today...(Isn't this how it always starts?)

Long story short, all of the balljoints up front are shot. They appear to be the original factory units, so I can't be too disappointed considering the truck has 170k on it. I know that the upper control arm has to be replaced as a whole unit, but what about the lowers? I searched a little bit on here before I went to the parts store and just got the balljoints only for the lowers.

However...my Haynes manual is saying that the lower control arms must replaced as well. Looking for some feedback from somebody who's done this job on a 4x4 model---and as always, tips and tricks are greatly appreciated.

Oh, and I will have access to a lift and air tools (which is why I love my job as a part-time wrecker driver) ...for what it's worth.

 

If i remember right you need to take the snap ring off hand you should be able to hammer the ball joint out.By hitting the center of the ball joint you will need a ball joint press to put them back in its not to bad of a job.Yhey can be kinda a pain in the butt.

 

So the lower control arm actually does need to be removed then? Or can I do it on the truck?

 

Edit: Found a pretty good writeup---for the next guy that wants to tackle frontend work.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/i...ll_Joints.html

 

No you should not need to remove it.And if you do you need to have the torsion bar tool.

 

You can rent (for free) from AutoZone and it is a hand held tool. Lower control arm does not need to come off and the ball joints are pressed in/out on the truck.