'01 ball joints

[willholl79]

Good evening guys. My 01 4wd 250 (4in lift 315's). Has a little bit of play in the ball joints. My first question is how much play is tolerable(i assume none). 2nd is this a do it yourself project. I'm mechanically minded but have 0 experience with ball joints. I found a how to article on powerstrokeparts.com which made it seem easy. Have any of you done this at home?

[willholl79]

bumpin myself

[willholl79]

really? nobody's ever had balljoint issues?

[Marty]

Ball joints you can do... I've done a few sets now...

Need some help, give me a call... a BFH and a ball joint press comes in handy.

[460+]

If its a lot of play say flopping replace, if its a touch loose should be alright for awhile.

[willholl79]

10-4 man. I'll get do the loan a tool from auto zone. Unless anyone knows where to get one cheap.

Thanks maintain

[NCHornet]

Having the right tools makes all the difference. AZ rents the tools for FREE, make sure you use MOOG replacements as they have zerk fittings so you can keep them lubed. This is the reason why the factory units go out so quick. Plus the weight o the PSD doesn't help!!
NCHornet

[silverF250]

Replacing the ball joints isn't that hard, but you will more than likely need to get a knuckle seal and an axle tube seal. Marc did a write up on here and it is very helpful. I would recommend replacing both, ex. bottom if top is bad or the other way around. I can tell you that after you take off the hub you need to pry the axle shaft out next then getting to the nut for lower balljoint. Be careful if you get your balljoints from autozone they might try to give you one with a controling arm. Happened to my brother he told them it wasn't right, we had mine out there for them to see and we were told they don't care about my truck there computer was right.

[Marty]

Another thing about the MOOG ball joints... the top one with the 90* turn will hit your axle when in 4wd... just cap it off after filling it with lube.

Agree with the axle seals as well... it's a definite at home job... just plan a WHOLE day to get it done on your first try.

[D-man]

I'm doing mine this weekend. Went ahead and bought a ball joint press.
$85 and they work pretty nice for u-joints also. This will be my first ball joint job though so I hope it goes alright.
Go to seven.three.superdutypsd.com for some great instructions with perfect color photos.
Good luck