Sorry for any mistakes im posting this via an iphone but anywho.

I have a 2000 f150 5.4 two wheel drive XLT with tow package (just thought id get it all out there) and I know for a fact i need upper and lower ball joins (which if i understand also means my control arm).

My questions are:

Who makes some good parts. I worked at carquest and I used to be a fan of MOOG but my former boss claims they are more for heavy duty not necassarily comfort. He recommends KYB. Opinions are appreciated.

Is this something that i could do myself or do i need to have access to a press and would be better off having a shop do it?

If i have a shop do it what would be reasonable for a price?
Thanks guys for all the help

 

I'd go with moog, they're greasable meaning they last longer. Your not gonna feel any difference in comfort. It's easy to do in your garage with basic tools, you'll need some decent sized wrenches, a pickle fork, a hammer or even better something like a 5lb sledgehammer, and a ball joint press which you can rent from probably the place you work and if not autozone/advance auto has them. It'll take around 10 hours total working by yourself, and it'll go a lot quicker if you have help or have air tools. You'll most likely need an alignment after because you'll be replacing the upper arms to get it back perfect.

For a shop to do it without parts, I'd figure upwards of $400 depending what they charge in your area. I was quoted around 500 or so without parts including an alignment when I was looking, so I ended up doing them myself.

 

I will be watching this. I want to replace all my stuff up there too. I have a major squeak and it is driving me nuts. I worry it may prematurely wear on my tires too.

I am just learning about it, but I seen a kit on ebay for like $220 plus like $30 shipping. I am still looking and learning, but I hate noises.

Not sure if I will do it myself, or I may have some guys help me do it. Not going with a legit repair shop.

 

I have the exact same truck and just last month replaced all the front components with moog parts. I did some research and the general consensus was moog parts are the best ones to go with. They also all have grease fittings so they can be lubed in future. A few brands I looked at did not have them on all the items
It was a easy install on parts and I paid 59.00 more for upgrade on my alignment to a lifetime one. They cut me a deal since I bought tires/alignments just a few months ago from them on 2 other cars in family

Shops wanted close to 1000.00+ for install with parts on what I did with alignment..crazy. I did it at home one Sat afternoon with son in a few hrs and paid like 430.00 total for everything with supplies included

I replaced:
Inner and outer tie rods
Upper control arms
Lower ball joints
Pitman and idler arms
End links
And added the K8740 caster camber bolt kit just in case but probably was not really needed

Rented a ball joint press kit from Advance auto for 150.00 and got every penny back when returned. It was a nice kit with huge assortment of cups and cones for different size ball joints and etc..Already had a pickle fork but since you may not need a good one a useable one can be bought at Harbour Freight Tools. You could also get a Pitman arm puller there for cheap or rent one at Advance to make getting that off easier if replacing that. Its also easy to use for inner tie rod ends if replacing them..

BTW: if you replace the tie rods, count the threads/rod turns when taking them off and install them back on with the same amount of turns OR Measure from center point of tie rod ball joint end center to adjustment collar and reinstall with same measurement. It will get it pretty close to spec to make it to alignment shop if you do a DIY

Truck steers like new again and not a bit of play or noise anymore. Replacing my shocks next to complete the package..

 

What a great story, the kind I love to read. I hope to be doing the same thing very soon. I thought the parts would be more. Where did you buy your parts?

Actually I may spend more as I have 4x4 and a supercab.

 

Rockauto.com and had them in 2 days. Great prices on parts there and a selection to choose from in makers also..Mines a supercab but not 4x4. There shouldn't be a big difference in part costs I would think...If you still have the 1999 4x4 here is a link for the 1999 Ford F150 4x4 moog front end parts.
http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com...s.asp?cat=3701

Get the part numbers off here and then go to Rockauto and order and see how much less they are there...

EDIT---I actually paid more for all after checking receipts for part numbers again......I paid 430.00 for all the parts and supplies and then had the 59.00 on top of that for the alignment. Forgot to add that into total BUT its still much less than anyone locally could do it for. Money saved will pay for some new Bilstein shocks or the like in the end..

 

I appreciate all the input guys. Its great to be able to come here and get such good info. Once i take the plunge ill let ya all know how it goes. I have access to all tools except maybe the pickle fork.

I think i might try my hand at this. I feel its good to be capable of taking care of my truck myself and this is just another thing i need to learn.

Thanks again.

 

Here is a list of all the part numbers for the 2000 model you have. Its really an easy thing to do.
http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com...s.asp?cat=3659

There is also a video for ball joints and a control arm on Youtube on a 4x4 model that will give lots of help in the process...2wd is the same except for removing axle nut on that model..Its pretty good to show what needs to be done...The ball joint press in kit is the same one I rented from Advance auto for free after getting tool deposit back. You dont have to have the air tools but it makes it a little faster/easier

 

That's the same exact video I followed when I first did my ball joints ha.

 

Thanks guys!

With all this it doesnt seem to daunting now. And itll save me probably a grand. A local shop quoted 1000 just for ball joints and the control arm.