Ball joints & upper control arms
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 411
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From: Proctorsville VT
Ball joints & upper control arms
2001 4wd Expy ,4.6l ,air suspension ,97k mi. Bought new tires today and was shown that lower ball joints were shot (not a surprise) and stabilizer links were gone. Planning on doing upper control arms while I'm at it. Quoted $445 at dealer for parts only. I have the time to place an internet order. Anybody with positive experience care to recommend best parts and vendor?
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Proctorsville VT
The trouble I'm having is with finding air suspension compatible upper control arms. FTE and internet searches run into application question marks. I may end up taking a pass on new upper control arms. Makes me wonder if there are similar application concerns with lower ball joint R&R. One way or another, they will have to be done.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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The trouble I'm having is with finding air suspension compatible upper control arms. FTE and internet searches run into application question marks. I may end up taking a pass on new upper control arms. Makes me wonder if there are similar application concerns with lower ball joint R&R. One way or another, they will have to be done.
I need to replace my lower ball joints and my upper control also and I am having problems finding the control arms that will work on my navigator with air suspention. The only parts I can find that will work are ford parts but I would like to use moog cause they are suppose to last longer but I cannot find the air suspentions compatible parts.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 411
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From: Proctorsville VT
I ordered Moog K86957T ball joints and Moog K8772 Sway bar link kit and am doing lowers only at this time. Saw too much play to safely let this go un-fixed. I'll follow up with results.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Proctorsville VT
I very much appreciate the input. I am confused by replacement control arm applications that designate "except air ride" or "except air suspension". If they are the same, why would parts would be specified this way?
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Southern Illinois
The front end parts are the same. I guess their electronic inventory breaks parts down for air suspension and non-air suspension. The only thing that's different suspension wise is the rear whether you have coil springs or air bags.
If you are doing the front end, you want to replace all the ball joints. I had factory originals at 131k and just had them replaced a week ago. Amazing what that and new shocks will do to a vehicle.
If you are doing the front end, you want to replace all the ball joints. I had factory originals at 131k and just had them replaced a week ago. Amazing what that and new shocks will do to a vehicle.
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 411
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From: Proctorsville VT
The front end parts are the same. I guess their electronic inventory breaks parts down for air suspension and non-air suspension. The only thing that's different suspension wise is the rear whether you have coil springs or air bags.
If you are doing the front end, you want to replace all the ball joints. I had factory originals at 131k and just had them replaced a week ago. Amazing what that and new shocks will do to a vehicle.
If you are doing the front end, you want to replace all the ball joints. I had factory originals at 131k and just had them replaced a week ago. Amazing what that and new shocks will do to a vehicle.
Your reply makes complete sense because EVERY upper control arm on the net is specified "except air suspension" and "for air suspension" cannot be located.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Proctorsville VT
Haynes manual states that factory lower ball joints on '97-'03 Expedition are an integral part of the lower control arm and not replaceable separately. This is not true. I whacked those out with a bfh and heavy chisels. The lower control arm does not have enough edge to use a press to force them loose.
Moog K8722T and K8724T ARE the correct upper control arms for this '01 with 4wd and air suspension. The applications for every vendor state "non air ride" for these parts. Do not believe it. Total came to $103 with new cam bolts (free shipping) from auto parts tomorrow.
Turned out to be a relatively cheap repair parts wise. I was quoted $929 for the lower ball joints, sway bar links, installation and alignment. I replaced the lowers and uppers for $163. Still need the alignment at $55, but I feel I got off easy.
Moog K8722T and K8724T ARE the correct upper control arms for this '01 with 4wd and air suspension. The applications for every vendor state "non air ride" for these parts. Do not believe it. Total came to $103 with new cam bolts (free shipping) from auto parts tomorrow.
Turned out to be a relatively cheap repair parts wise. I was quoted $929 for the lower ball joints, sway bar links, installation and alignment. I replaced the lowers and uppers for $163. Still need the alignment at $55, but I feel I got off easy.
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control arms
Haynes manual states that factory lower ball joints on '97-'03 Expedition are an integral part of the lower control arm and not replaceable separately. This is not true. I whacked those out with a bfh and heavy chisels. The lower control arm does not have enough edge to use a press to force them loose.
Moog K8722T and K8724T ARE the correct upper control arms for this '01 with 4wd and air suspension. The applications for every vendor state "non air ride" for these parts. Do not believe it. Total came to $103 with new cam bolts (free shipping) from auto parts tomorrow.
Turned out to be a relatively cheap repair parts wise. I was quoted $929 for the lower ball joints, sway bar links, installation and alignment. I replaced the lowers and uppers for $163. Still need the alignment at $55, but I feel I got off easy.
Moog K8722T and K8724T ARE the correct upper control arms for this '01 with 4wd and air suspension. The applications for every vendor state "non air ride" for these parts. Do not believe it. Total came to $103 with new cam bolts (free shipping) from auto parts tomorrow.
Turned out to be a relatively cheap repair parts wise. I was quoted $929 for the lower ball joints, sway bar links, installation and alignment. I replaced the lowers and uppers for $163. Still need the alignment at $55, but I feel I got off easy.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 1
From: New Castle, Delaware
Its the oem UPPER ball joints that are integral to the control arm.The lower ball joints can be changed without changing the entire control arm. I have had good results with the Raybestos brand control arm for the uppers. Tried Moog upper arms first, but the ball joint boots were crap and didnt last 2 years.
This is what I am running into right now. I think it is my moog ball joint that is looking pretty horrible. Looking for replacements already may just do them all over again. Didn't want to but it is what it is.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 411
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From: Proctorsville VT
Not sellin' anything here, but this has not been my experience with Moog replacement parts. Will update if there is a change in condition.