I have a few simple questions. Is the upper control arm replacement a huge project; or how long does it usually take? I can move the left side in and out at the top quite a bit. I didn't measure it, but it seems like close to or at 1/4". The other thing I noticed was the stabilizer bar link is VERY loose. It's just flopping around in the holes in the lower control arm and the stabilizer bar. Finally the spring on the left side (all of this is the left) makes a lot of squeaking noises. Will fixing these parts fix that noise? I'm trying to decide if I can do this today, wait for next weekend or give it to a mechanic. I just haven't had any good experiences with mechanics so I am hesitant.

1999, F-150 XLT, Flare Side, Triton V8, 2WD

 

I replaced them on my 98, it's not too bad of a job, but does require some suspension tools. Replace every part that you dismantle, cheap insurance. Seek help from someone who has done it before.

 

The spring probably isn't the source of the noise. I wouldn't replace it.

I'd say your balljoints are no good, and begin there.

1. First, do some research. You came to the right place to solicit advice. There are some crackerjack mechanics here and I'm not one of them, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn express last night....okay, I'm no expert but I did my own upper and lower ball joints last year. I asked friends for advice, came here for advice and went to Youtube to actually see it done. That last one was a big help.

2. Get the tools. You'll need the basics: jack, jack stand, breaker bar, sockets, hammer, etc.... You can find what you don't have at the auto parts store: pickle fork, snap ring pliers. You can rent a ball joint press for free there as well. (You buy it, they'll refund your money when you return it...intact.)

3. Buy the parts. You might as well replace both sides while you're at it. Lower ***** joints can be pressed out. Uppers require the whole control arm to be replaced. Buy Moog and you won't go wrong. In addition, buy the cam bolt adjustment kit for the uppers, it'll make your tire shop's job easier when they align. the vehicle when you're done.

4. Set aside a weekend, do the job. Took me a couple of saturdays to do mine, but I'm not the quickest mechanic out there.


As for the stabilizer bar, sounds bad to me too, but I've never worked on that myself.

Good luck to you.

 

I recently did my uppers, lowers and inner & outer tie rod ends as well as idler arm. My '01 only has 95k on it, but the ball joints were worn out. It is not a hard job and if you are mechanincally inclined at all, it will only take you a saturday. Blue gave you a list of tools, the only thing he said that I did different was to replace my entire upper and lower control arm, rather than have the ball joints on the lowers pressed out and new ones pressed in. Not that much more in price, and dont have to run to the store to have it done or rent any special tools. The uppers are a piece of cake, 2 bolts & nuts in the frame and one castle nut at the ball joint. If your only doing the uppers, it shouldnt take more than a couple hours. The uppers use shims from the factory at the frame for the camber adjustment. It may or may not be good enough when you put the new ones in. If you take it in to get an aligment they may not be able to get the camber right and try to sell you a set of $100 cam bolts, you can get them much cheaper at AZ or on Rockauto and they are very easy to change. I would go ahead and put them in when you change the uppers, you just remove the bolt and nut, then pull the shim out and replace with the cam bolt kit. The stabilizer bar bushings sound like they are shot and need replacing as well.