Does anydody know how to replace the lower ball stud on a 97 model 150 4x4 ?
Can it be done without pulling off the A frame ? I have the nut off and the A frame broke loose but can't seem to get the upper half knocked loose .

Thanks Jeff

 

You need to rent the ball joint press to press the old one out and the new one in. I did this a couple of weeks ago myself... thought I could just pound it out, took me 4 hours to do that. Many auto parts stores will rent them for free, you just pay for the tool as a deposit, then get the refund when you return it. Anyway, rent the press... way easier.

-Kerry

 

you can pound it out, but it is tough. i did not use the press, but have heard it is worth while. also, loosen the torsion bar screws at the back ends by the transmission case. this allows the A frams to drop down further and allows more clearances.

 

also there is a snap ring on the side oposite the stud, make sure it is off, wire brush around the groove and A frame hole so your not dragging crud thru the hole as you press or punch.

 

I did rent the press but it will not fit in between the top of the stud and the axle, the press i got is like a big c clamp with different size spacers .I will take the torsion bar loose to drop the A frame . Did you have to take the caliper , rotor and axle loose ?

Thanks Jeff

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...f-150-4x4.html

 

yes, see RAacers photos, you take the nut off the alxe and push the axle inward and take the knuckel, hub and bearing off so you are looking at the lower A frame and ball joint.

 

If you use an aftermarket ball joint that has a grease fitting, make sure you put in the grease fitting BEFORE you reinstall the axle shaft. Make sure you look at the ball joint. On the rubber seal you will see a mark or spot that will say INBOARD. Install this mark pointing straight away from the tire.

 

Don't need to drop the tortion bar using Racerguy's method, and believe it or not, I kept the caliper/rotor on the spindle too... PIA, but my caliper is frozen to the spindle. When I picked up the press, after struggling with the drillers sledge and cast iron pipe, it took me 30 minutes to install the driver's and remove & install the passenger side.

Use Racerguy's guide... seems like extra work, but without removing some of those key parts you'll never get the joint out.

-Kerry

 

Thanks everybody for all the imfo. and Racerguy for your very detailed instructions .I believe I can finish the job today . This web site is one of my best tools .

Thanks jeff