Ball joints

[bucwheat]

Anyone replace thier own Ball joints,I have a 97 F350 CC dually,I have been getting a lot of squeeking up front lately,so I checked the Ball joints and they are getting pretty worn although the tires are perfect.

[RedneckYankee]

I did them on my 2005 Ex not to bad. Take everything off the spindles including the brake shield. Nock the outer tie rod ends off the knucke and unbolt the ball joints from the I beam pull out the caster sleeve then you should be able to remove knuckle from I beam. Aftter that press old ball joints out and press new ones in. There is some snap rings holding ball joints in I believe. First time I did mine passenger side took about 3 hrs until I called a friend and showed me how to get everything apart. After that it was about two hrs for driver side. Good luck hope this helps

[bucwheat]

Thanks,not sure I want to spend 4 hrs. guess I'll take it to a shop.Most likely looking at $400 plus bill.

[ol_Blue97]

once u do it once its not that bad, but does require special tools, sockets, ball joint press. if you dont have thoes tools, and dont plan on using them again, take it to a shop as the tools alone will be 300 bucks for quility ones. but they are worh every penny for other things too (speaking of the balljoint press)

[RedneckYankee]

I was able to go to one of the local auto parts places and borrow the ball joint press. Think they needed $100.00 deposit and refunded when tool was returned. They are not bad once you get into it. Took me a little longer probably because I also cleaned and repacked bearings while I had everything apart. I have seen some people take short cuts and not repack bearings. If you got a Saturday to do it I'd do it myself. I was stuck doing it on Monday morning when I tripped fell against truck and heard a loud pop. Did realize wife and kids were driving on borrowed time. I only drive truck on weekends if we go anywhere. Wife forgets to tell me things (that's my story stickin to it) LOL

[Diesel_brad]

Originally Posted by bucwheat

Thanks,not sure I want to spend 4 hrs. guess I'll take it to a shop.Most likely looking at $400 plus bill.

Looking at closer to 7-800 bill. You can do it yourself for about $130 if you buy XRF ones and they are probably the BEST ones you can buy