Good input Tylus. I completly forgot about the sway bar end links. That will give you some noise too if they are broken. I use to see a lot of broken links on Chevys but not so much on the Fords. Chevy used a real cheap end link for a number of years that broke easily.

As far as ball joints lasting, I've replaced at least one side on every Ford truck I have ever owned before the 35,000 mile mark. My 99 Ranger, the 03 Explorer, and the 03 F-150 all had ball joints replaced before 35,000 miles. I expect my Expy will be no different.