ooohhh yyyeeahhhh ball joints

[7.3HeavyHauler]

yep bought 4 new tires today and found out i need all 4 ball joints, uuggghh, i changed them out once on a 3/4 ton dodge 4x4 and that sucked, never done it on a 2wd ford but i start tomorrow.

[bruce51d]

A lot easier than a 4x4

[7.3HeavyHauler]

I need to get started on it but I am waiting for the wife to get up and watch the kiddo's

[tfifeco]

About to do the same to mine. I need to change my tie rod ends, when ahead and got all ball joints and tie rods - I will be changing mine next weekend whem I install my 6" lift - Let me know how it goes or what to look out for...

thanks

[jacobm24]

How do you know if you need to change them out? just crawl under there and look?

[tfifeco]

that or you jack up that side just slightly where the tire doesnt come off the ground but most of the weight is off, then you try and move the tire back and forth while looking at the ball joints and tie rods, if you see movement at the joints then they need to be changed. There shouldnt be any movement at the joints at all

[7.3HeavyHauler]

i've unfortunately neglected mine and i tell ya grease is ALOT cheaper and easier than changing them out....but needless to say i'll be greasin these puppies up on a somewhat regular basis, i don't plan on ever changing these out.

[tfifeco]

Same here. Need to greese them up regularly, which i have not either. But the greese only helps to keep the joints lubed up, it is not a totally sealed system, so they will last as long as possible. But Ball joints will eventually go out regardless over time and usage.

[7.3HeavyHauler]

got the passenger side done last night, was a breeze except for the fact that they used metric and i broke a ratchet tryin to get the brake housing off the rotor, didn't have a 21mm 1/2 socket just a 3/8 drive, luckily it was a craftsman, took it back today and got a refurbished ratchet and bought a 21mm 1/2 drive socket so now i can use my breaker bar, must say though ALOT easier than a 4x4.

[7.3HeavyHauler]

ball joints are done! went pretty easy, one thing i didn't do was see where the holes were for the cotter pin, goofed that on the pass side but remember that on the drivers side.