Ball joint help
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 122
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From: Missouri
Ball joint help
my 90' f250 has the twin Ibeam front end, and i need to replace the upper ball joints. I know to get the higher quality ones, or else you will be changing them again soon, and also their a PITA. Other then that, is there anyone out there that could help with maby the tools i would need, or how to get started.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6,815
Likes: 707
From: Tobyhanma, PA
Do a search. Mainly you'll need a socket to pull the spindle nut. Beyond that a BFA, chunk of wood, penetrating oil, and a breaker bar to help break the ball joint nuts loose.
Irs also a good time to look into replacing wheel seals and bearings, as well as rotors. Changing out the ujoints wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Irs also a good time to look into replacing wheel seals and bearings, as well as rotors. Changing out the ujoints wouldn't be a bad idea either.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 122
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From: Missouri
Ok, thanks very much. Im learning this stuff for the first time, and my dad is relearning it. As for the other parts u guys suggested replacing, they will have to wait. Strapped for cash, and im just trying to squeeze it past inspection. I doubt im going to own this much longer as i cant afford to commute to college and back with a 351 next year.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 32
From: Delhi, Iowa
is the truck a 2wd or a 4wd?
Luckily, and this is coming from an ASE certified tech, these are some ofthe more simple ball joints to do. Unlike other ball joints, there is no risk of something springing out suddenly and frightening or injuring you. It's a simple process, i've done it countless times ... and yes, pony up for the best Ball joints you can afford, otherwise you'll be doing it again in another year or two ...
PM me if you need extra assistance...
Luckily, and this is coming from an ASE certified tech, these are some ofthe more simple ball joints to do. Unlike other ball joints, there is no risk of something springing out suddenly and frightening or injuring you. It's a simple process, i've done it countless times ... and yes, pony up for the best Ball joints you can afford, otherwise you'll be doing it again in another year or two ...
PM me if you need extra assistance...
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 32
From: Delhi, Iowa
OH YEAH!!! i forgot about the ball joint press, thats kind of a specialty tool that you will NEED... Most big name part stores will "rent" you one, you pay for it in full to use it, then they refund you all of your money when you return it ...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 168
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You will need a press or you can do the labor of removing the knuckles and bring them to a shop to have the old ball joints pressed out and new pressed in. I was charged $30 a side for mine. Or, if you're lucky, you can do them with a hammer and a solid strong pipe on a strong solid surface (like my anvil). I used a short hammered sledge hammer. You've gotta be careful but it's free!
Or of course you can rent a press. I always feared them breaking since they're lots of money.
Or of course you can rent a press. I always feared them breaking since they're lots of money.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Very true! I was shocked to see the price. Harbor Freight has one for under $50 but I heard they're not strong. Some people say to keep them greased and they'll last. If I got one job done out of them, It's still cheaper than a shop doing it
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 32
From: Delhi, Iowa
The thing is, I AM the shop doing them, so i need a tool i can use forever and ever ... my snap on has a grease zerk right on the side of it, and all the parts have a lifetime warranty, no questions asked. I have yetto break anything, and it gets used about 5 times a week ...
