1998 Expediton front end
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1998 Expediton front end
I just found out that I need to replace my upper and lower control arms and ball joints. My garage quoted me around $700 for the job with a front end alignment. Is this a fair price? After looking at the parts I would be into it for around $600.
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It's not hard for me to do at all, thanks for asking. 
Seriously though, on a difficulty scale of 1-10 I give this a 6. The worst part is not having the tools you might need to do the job. The lower ball joints have to pressed out, then back in. This tool can be rented from most auto parts stores.
For the rest of the job you'll need a jack, jackstands, a torque wrench, a breaker bar, a ball joint pickle fork, a sledgehammer, a grease gun, and of course a selection of sockets and wrenches. The alignment will have to be done by a shop either way; doing it at home is not an option.
Seriously though, on a difficulty scale of 1-10 I give this a 6. The worst part is not having the tools you might need to do the job. The lower ball joints have to pressed out, then back in. This tool can be rented from most auto parts stores.
For the rest of the job you'll need a jack, jackstands, a torque wrench, a breaker bar, a ball joint pickle fork, a sledgehammer, a grease gun, and of course a selection of sockets and wrenches. The alignment will have to be done by a shop either way; doing it at home is not an option.
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I have all the tools except the ball joint tool. I just totaled all the parts with a aftermarket bushing set and I am at $801 before tax and that's not including the alignment. I got the prices on line at Auto Zone. I don't know if there is a complete set I can get on line cheaper? If anybody can send me a link for parts it would greatly appreciated.
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RockAuto Parts Catalog Lower Ball Joints
RockAuto Parts Catalog Upper Control Arm Assembly
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The lower control arms are $266 each. $112 for both uppers with the ball joints, and than the $30 for the lower ball joints. (found the cheaper ones) I'm still at about $670. If I am looking at this wrong please tell me like I said I have never done this job before.
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Ah ha! You don't need new lower control arms, the ball joints are replaceable in those. It's only the upper control arms that have the ball joints built in as one assembly. There's $532 saved right there.
All you need for parts are the two upper control arm assemblies and two lower ball joints.
All you need for parts are the two upper control arm assemblies and two lower ball joints.
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This is why I sign up for these forums. So then I need upper control arms with ball joints included, and lower ball joints. Do you recommend an after market bushing set? Is it worth the money or would I even notice anything?
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Now I see why you said the cost a bit high to start off with. Thanks for the help now I just wish winter wasn't here I despise working in the cold on a vehicle. I'm still shopping around.
Thanks again
Thanks again
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Don't fight with them then. They make a tool for it, use the tool, piece of pie.