Changing ball joints easy?
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New User
Joined: Sep 2008
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Changing ball joints easy?
I am looking for some guidence and answers here. I have a 05 F250 SD. I have noticed some wear and tear on the front suspension. Is it a real tough job to change the ball joints, and other parts of the front end? I am very tight on spending alot of money on paying someone else to do this. I change brakes, have changed ignition coils and am not completely unable to perform maint. but if this is something that is way to tough for a backyard mechanic than I may not give it a try. I was also interested in how you can tell if a shock or in this case a steering stabilizer is good or bad. Is there an easy way to test it to say keep or get a new one? Thanks for any help I can get on these 2 questions. Keep up the great work.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 108
From: Northern Indiana
I wouldn't say ball joints are easy, but I also don't consider them hard. You can rent the ball joint press from auto zone. For a novice I would say plan on a couple hrs per side at the minimum. Makes sure you get new dust seals, axle seals and if you don't want to do it again soon get some greaseable ball joints. Also look at your front axle u joints. If you have some miles on them you may want to go ahead and do them also since you will have it tore down already. Tool wise a good socket set, impact, breaker bar, larger sockets like 3/4" and up. That's just to give you a good idea.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
2X 0r 4X?
There is a how to in one of the tech folders
on FTE or look on youtube. The Autozone press
is a bit small for the 4X4. The 3/4" socket and t-handle
are very good to have. .
The other easy way to remove and reinstall the joints
is if you can take the spindle with the joints to the local
auto parts store that does machine shop work and have
then do the pressing for you. After all is said and done
you may want to check the alignment .
Sean
There is a how to in one of the tech folders
on FTE or look on youtube. The Autozone press
is a bit small for the 4X4. The 3/4" socket and t-handle
are very good to have. .
The other easy way to remove and reinstall the joints
is if you can take the spindle with the joints to the local
auto parts store that does machine shop work and have
then do the pressing for you. After all is said and done
you may want to check the alignment .
Sean
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 108
From: Northern Indiana
Didn't even think about 2 or 4 wheel. I agree the press is a little small but it will work. I have used it 3 times, it just takes a little bit of moving it around and playing to get the right spacer it the right place. That was just a quick list of tools I gave. Gonna need a good set of tools.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 870
Likes: 9
From: Carbondale, CO
This thread has been running for some time. I'm not sure of the 05 front end, but it will give you a good idea of what;s involved.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ll-joints.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ll-joints.html
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
I have an 2006 F350 4X4 and it is more or less the same.
My local mechanic told me some thing like 45.00 to do the
press work. I felt that was not that bad. I won't have to
rent a tool and beat my knuckles up and worry I got them seated
with a press being used.
Sean
My local mechanic told me some thing like 45.00 to do the
press work. I felt that was not that bad. I won't have to
rent a tool and beat my knuckles up and worry I got them seated
with a press being used.
Sean
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