I'm replacing my upper ball joints on my 98 F150 4x4 is it true if i reuse my washers and i put them back in the same spot it wont mess up my alienment ? And if it is true what about the torque on the bolts ?

 

off hand...I doubt that your alignment will be spot on with upper ball joint replacement....but it should be pretty close. I wouldn't let it go too long before getting it to get realigned

 

I mark the location at present by putting seveal punch marks around the washer, or wire brush the area and spray paint so you can see location to reinstall. They should be real close on alignment. Never hurts to have it checked later. For torque, i just tighten the crap out of them with 1/2 inch breaker bar. Thats about how tight they are when you remove !

 

Thanks guys for the reply,the ball joints aren't bad yet no play yet but the boots are torn pretty bad, with bad weather setting in I can't hardly tear it down just yet. Has any body ever tried forcing grease into the joint and putting saran wrap or black tape around the joint to keep the crud out just to get buy?

 

I'd just blast a bunch of grease into it and wait until good weather. They won't finish wearing out instantly.

If you feel like taping it, I'd use "F-4" tape (Google for vendors) self-vulcanizing rubber tape. I've used it since the days when I worked Broncos and Phantoms wrapping wiring harnesses which it was originally designed for.

Everyone should have a roll. It sticks to itself nicely, just work with clean hands so the tape doesn't get grease between the layers which prevents it sticking to itself. Once bonded it's good to go.

 

thanks monkeywrench for the reply i'll google f4 tape sounds good