What is easier?
Remove and replace upper ball joint, or replace entire upper suspension arm with ball joint already installed?
The reason I ask is that the ball joint puller I have seems slightly small for the job, whereas the arm replacement involves only a bolt removal with a socket wrench?
For a few dollars more it might be nice to spend less time under the car?
BTW : Everthing under my truck is hella rusty.

 

I would go with the whole arm assembly

 

If it is the stock arm on a 4x4, you MUST replace the whole arm, the BJ is not removable.

You can buy an aftermarket a-arm that has a replacable joint for the next round though.

 

Yes it is a 1999 xlt 4x4.
The ball joint does have that "machine pressed" look about it.
Will have to check alignment and mark bolt holes to preserve the position.
Thanks

 

I would reccomend an alignment after replacing the upper arm. You will never get it right by marking the holes.

 

If you mark the holes correctly, you will be just fine, that is if your alignment was good to begin with.. However if you have or getting a new set of tires then it would be good to get one done right after. I replaced my upper a arms and drove it for 8 months with no problem and only had an alignment when i purchased a set of new tires.

 

My 98 had spacers on the upper control arm bolts that preserved the alignment. I took it to a shop to have the alignment done after the front end work, but they didnt make any adjustments. Told me it was close enough.

 

Anybody know the proper alignment specs?

 

Just pressed out my upper ball joints on my 2002 ford ranger that still had originals. I cut the tapered bolt off flush at the bottom with an abrasive circular blade and pressed them out with the standard ball joint press tool. Did not remove control arms. No problem. Ordered ball joints from Rock Auto. Originally all videos and info I researched showed replacing the whole control arm with ball joint. But, it did not make since sense you can buy the joints. Go for it!

 

Different animal ....

 

Entire arm with ball joint $120