Lower Ball joints
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Lower Ball joints
Hey guys. Question for those of you with 4x4 experience. I have a '96 F150 4x4 TTB. I need to replace the lower ball joints and am curious if I need to disassemble the hubs and remove the knuckle, or if there is room to access the nut on the ball joint without removing the knuckle.
Any input from those of you that have done this repair would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Brad
Any input from those of you that have done this repair would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Brad
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
No, no possible way to remove really either upper or lower balljoint without pulling the wheel hub off, then unbolting the spindle and then pulling the axle shaft.
You might be able to get to the ball joint nut under the axle shaft with it still all buttoned up, but the balljoint has to come out towards the top of the knuckle so there is no possible way to do it without completely removing the knuckle from the beam. You might be thinking of an IFS type 4wd setup (like any of the Chevy 4wd's). In this instance you might be able to get the nut off without removing the hub and axle shaft and then lower the a-arm to drop down to removed the ball joint. Not possible with the Ford TTB though.
You might be able to get to the ball joint nut under the axle shaft with it still all buttoned up, but the balljoint has to come out towards the top of the knuckle so there is no possible way to do it without completely removing the knuckle from the beam. You might be thinking of an IFS type 4wd setup (like any of the Chevy 4wd's). In this instance you might be able to get the nut off without removing the hub and axle shaft and then lower the a-arm to drop down to removed the ball joint. Not possible with the Ford TTB though.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
You need to remove the entire knuckle.Also don't be cheap replace the uppers and don't reuse the old ones. If money is an issue I would suggest FORD F150 F250 F350 4X2 4X4 1980 1996 3 TIE RODS 1 CENTER LINK 4 BALL JOINTS | eBay pretty good stuff IMHO I have bought their parts for 4 vehicles so far.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Yes you must remove the rotor, spindle, and knuckle to replace the ball joints as everyone has said. That's why the job runs $600 a side at a shop. It's a lot of work.
The best ball joints out there (IMHO) are made by Moog. If you plan on keeping it for a while get the good ones.
The best ball joints out there (IMHO) are made by Moog. If you plan on keeping it for a while get the good ones.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Thanks, guys. I knew it looked pretty tight in there. I have had the truck a year and haven't been into the front yet. I think I'll go ahead and get new seals and be prepared to replace bearings if they need it. And I will do uppers while I am there. If I don't, you know they will go soon after. Good old Murphy's Law.
Thanks again for the information. You guys rock.
Thanks again for the information. You guys rock.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
68-F250-4x4
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Apr 7, 2008 07:57 PM
fordberg
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
11
Sep 6, 2004 11:07 PM
