I'm getting ready to tackle the ball joints, brakes and shocks on my 99. Looks like I will be needing new rotors as well. There seems to be a lot of different brands out there as far as rotors and pads are concerned. I've used the Bosch top of the line stuff on my 99 Chevy truck and I don't really care for their stuff. I've been through front rotors and pads after two years of mostly freeway driving so I'd like to know what you guys have used with good success on the expys.
What brands of pads/rotors have you guys had good luck with?

How about shocks? I'm talking good replacement shocks, not really interested in spending $85 each for Edelbrocks.

Also how much of a PITA is doing the ball joints going to be? I know the F150/Expy platform is legendary for eating ball joints so I'm sure plenty of you guys have done them. Any advice here would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

Can only comment on shocks - Bilsteins!!

You might want to replace the front sway bar links, if you have them and they haven't broken off yet. Go with aftermarket, the stock Ford's are comparatively costly and if they're anything like the originals - crap quality.

 

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Thank you Tim. This board is a great resource for Ford truck owners.

I've noticed that some guys are running the Hawk brake pads. I was on their web site and I noticed several different types of pads. Which ones work the best for the expys?

 

Well I bit the big one and ordered up the Hawk ceramic pads and a set of four Brembo replacement rotors. Actually the Brembos were cheaper than some of the no-name repops. Fronts $51 each and rears $66 each. I've read where people have been happy with the Hawks and the Brembos so I thought I'd give em a whirl.
I also ordered a set of Bilstein shocks from Summit.

As far as the ball joints are concerned I think I might pay someone to do them for me. It just looks like a PITA and I don't wan't to have my family rig down for any extended amount of time.
What's the going rate for uppers and lowers? Anybody had this done lately?

 

Sounds like your on the right track. Ball joints can be a pain without the right tools (press), all the rest can be handled by you in the garage in a few hours.

 

The ball joints are not that bad. I think I changed all 4 in about 2-1/2 hrs in my driveway. You will need an air gun to make it a lot easier. Just go by Autozone and get the press, you can use it for free. I think the shop wanted $800 to change the ball joints and install 2 front shocks. I did it all for less then $200.

 

Yep, turns out I'm gonna do the ball joints myself too. The shop wants $750 to do all four. I bought new uppers w/ control arms and new lowers from NAPA for $240. I can't justify $500 for labor. Especially when I'm gonna have it tore apart anyway to do the brakes and shocks.

 

Just a suggestion, you might want to purchase a set of cam adjusting bolts for the upper control arms(I think that is what they are called). I did not change mine and the shop said it would help in the front end alignment. Make sure you take it to get the front end aligned pronto after changing out the parts. If you have the right tools you should be able to change everything out in less then 3hrs.