Need to replace ball joints on the steering nuckle

[99' Powerstroke]

Has anyone replaced these themselves? It's a 99' F-250 4x4 and the manual says I will need a special tool to pull these ball joints and to put them back in. Has anyone been able to just pound them out with a small sledge? If I need this tool where can I get one......maybe borrow or rent from a shop? Any help would be appreciated.

[BIGGPIGG4x4]

I just replaced mine on the driver side. (they dont like 46in tires haha) and I pulled the knuckle off and went to the dealership to press out old, and press in new. Idk what kinda relationship you have with your local ford dealer. But I showed up asked a mechanic on the side and he did it within 10 min. and didnt ask for a thing. My guess would be show up with a 6-pack or some cash and somebody will help ya out.

[99' Powerstroke]

Yeah I thought of that too but I don't want to take off the tie rods that I just put on a couple months ago. Unless there is a way to take them off without messing up the rubber boot.

[wbones9]

usually autozone / oreilly's / murrays / etc have "ball joint" rental tools to remove and reinstall the balljoints.

I have done them on a few trucks, it's hit or miss as to what sort of problems you will have. Assume about 6 hours on the first side if you have never done it, then 3-4 hours on the other once you learned from your mistakes.