Ball Joints Install

[shocka04]

Was going to change out the ball joints this weekend. I found the instructions for them, and was wondering what else I should replace while I'm working on this? I saw that I should replace the axle and dust seals but is there anything else? Any tips when doing this install?

[Aggie007]

Hub bearing o-ring, dust seal, and the axle shaft seal. The axle shaft seal is a pain to press on yourself, but you can take it just about any automotive repair shop including Ford, and most do it for free and I just give them $20 to say thanks.

Plan to change the gear lube as well.

You can rent a ball joint press tool from an auto parts store. You will want an impact to use with the tool, makes life much easier.

Use a good set of jack stands and use TWO jacks, one on each side to lift your truck. Don't lift your truck up with one jack at the center of the axle.

[Betaracer]

Change the ujoints while you're in there.

[thundermaker]

Originally Posted by shocka04

Was going to change out the ball joints this weekend. I found the instructions for them, and was wondering what else I should replace while I'm working on this? I saw that I should replace the axle and dust seals but is there anything else? Any tips when doing this install?

You may also want to find the tool that helps press the seal back in the knuckles that is on the outer axles- without it, its a pain. You definitaly want it if your still using your factory hubs so you don't have a leak.

[LazyLS1]

Just did mine last week, rented a ball joint press and a 3 arm puller

Built my own tool to install the knuckle seal - 1 1/4" pipe about 10" long, cap and floor flange. Grind the floor flange down to 3 13/16" od. Seemed to work well. There is a lot of great write ups on it.
I kept this one handy while I was working Ford Super Duty Ball Joint Replacement Procedure

[turbie]

I just did mine this weekend! it said in the procedure that it would take 8 hrs on the one side and 4 to 8 on the other cause of what you learn on the previous side. it took me 2 and a half hours for both! not too bad if you have the right parts.

[shocka04]

Anyone know the spicer part number for the u-joint. I've searched and it looks like its 5-806x but I just want to make sure

[fmini]

The How to, What to, and Need to of ball joint replacement
2004 F250 Ball Joint Replacement

[shocka04]

The site has some great instructions