Just noticed that the upper ball joint (NCP 2601510) is “Designed to meet or exceed the OE specifications for superior fit, form & function” but they "do not fit OE control arms".

Kind of contradictory isn’t it?

Anybody know about the Napa components as far as where they are made and how well?

The last parts I bought there were universal joints that were made in Japan which is Ok I guess.

 

anybody know why these ball joints dont fit the OE controll arms?

 

Can`t help you but that is a good one.
For universal joints I would try to go for Spicer and for ball joints Moog.

 

the factory ball joints are basically suppose to be part of the upper arm. if you press them out, you probably will tear up the hole somewhat. I dont thing there is a retainer C clip... If you get the aftermarket MOGG frame and ball joint, the ball joint can be removed in the future and changed out saving the arm... "meets factory spec" does not mean it is the same O.D. on the fit, it only means it will work on the truck. Some of the parts that say "meets OEM spec" i not sure how they determined that.. maybe "FIT", but maybe not "quality".

 

When you need to replace the factory upper ball joints, you have to remove the whole upper arm and replace the arm and ball joint. As mentioned, Moog makes an upper arm and joint that the joint is greasable and can be replaced saving the cost of an alignment when you need to replace them. I replaced all four ball joints on my truck with moog that I got from autopartsgiant.com for a reasonable price. I say if you are going to replace them, put moog joints in it. Also might want to replace your sway bar end links while your in there if it hasn't already been done.

 

First of all that # 260-1510 is a ball joint for 2wd only and it states will not fit original upper control arm. I believe the OE arms are made so you can not replace just the joint.
Meet or exceed OE means just that . They also come with a life time warranty and they are greaseable.
It would not take much to beat OE on these ball joints as the factory ones are very prone to failure and nobody goes back with OE.
NAPA chassis parts are made by Dana corp .

 

Couldn't tell you I stay away from NAPA due to their prices. I can tell you for certain the ford upper arms are not serviceable and the entire a arm has to be replaced to change a worn ball joint. I took the lower a arm down to the local parts store and had MOOG ball joints pressed in with no problem. My upper now has a uniball setup but the MOOG arm would be the way to go.

 

Has anybody read through this entire post?

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

I've only gotten to page 5 but it sounds to me like all of the factory ball joints are replaceable since nobody hasn't mentioned it yet.

I see that different diameter (2.00 & 1.75) ball joints are listed in other catalogs but they are vague and only some mention that they don't fit the OE arms.

Has anybody seen aftermarket lower arms? I haven't come across any yet.


Update:
I just took a flash light and went out to look at the upper arms and they don't have the rings so I would imagine I need the whole upper assemble.

 

So I went down there I got NCP 2601460 but it looks a little smaller in diameter than what is on the truck. The Napa sight seems to have change a bit since I was last used it and there is no option to select 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive.

Can anybody confirm this number for a 99 4X4 F150? The page I pull up does not say 2 or 4 wheel and I would hate to find out when I have the old ball joints out.


I tried to get a measurement at lunch time but it is hard to get a good read with the truck sitting on all fours in a parking deck. I'm thinking it just looks larger because rust on the ball joint.

 

When I owned a 97 F150 I rebuilt the whole front end using TRW and MOOG parts.

 

Turns out that Dana makes the Napa brand ball joints and tie rods.

 

Well I'll say that I'm an alignmet tech and the Napa MRC line is what I install almost exclusively. I'm a Ford man but have to say I've pretty much made a living over the past 8 years installing lower ball joints in the 97-04 F-150. I've been quite impressed with Napa's MRC lower line of chasis parts. I've installed well over 100 joints I'm sure and have seen one pair of joints become loose again, probably due to lack of grease. They are greasable as well and in my opinion a much more quality part than Ford put in from the factory. Moog makes good parts I'm sure, but I've seen them fail as well. Especially in the tie rod end department. Not trying to promote Napa or anything but I've just been pleased with their MRC line of parts. For the money they should serve you well. But as posted above, the upper ball joint must be serviced with complete upper arm replacement on the F-150 4 wheel drives. Hope that helps for what it's worth.

 

The NAPA # 260-5140 is the correct # for upper right control arm for 4x4 #260-5139 would be for the upper left.
NAPA # 260-1460 is the correct # for lowers on either 4X4 or 2X4.

 

Thanks!