I have a 1997 F150 4x4 4.6 liter 140,000 miles. I want to replace just the lower ball joints but my service manual says you can't, that you have to replace the lower control arms. Is there any way around this? thanks for any advice.

 

you can just replace the lower ball joint if you want. If you do go with moog....Rockauto.com has the pretty cheap.

 

You will probably need a ball joint press to get them out. If you buy local, some shops will let you borrow the press for a day. Our Auto Zone does that. I agree, that MOOG are normally better quality and loger lasting than generic chineese.

 

If you change the lowers and not the uppers, be careful you don't rip the boots on the uppers while removing the steering knuckle. (To be honest, I'd just change the uppers and lowers while you've got everything apart.)

 

That's what I did. I also used a Harbor Freight Ball joint press on my 01 Screw for the lowers. Uppers got the new arms with BJ's in them.

 

Good work. Gotta love 'ol Harbor Freight. That place is a toy store for grown men.