Hi guys,

My truck just failed inspection for worn ball joints. Mechanic wants $900 to do the job. I don't have that kind of cash right now. Can anybody provide me a guide to doing this job myself? I typically buy parts at Advance they have Driveworks joints for $25 each or Moog for $52 each. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Go with moog or xf is even better I think, but I'd avoid the other. That's a crazy price from the mechanic. Most parts stores I think rent tools, so I'd check with them.

 

If you're that far in isnt it just a tad more work to do axle seals and repack/replace the bearings?

my ball joints are fine, but my drivers side front axle seal is bad.

 

You can rent a ball joint press from Advance, and go with the Moog if you don't have time to order the XRF. You will also need a socket to remove the bearing retaining nut. The auto locking hubs takes a different socket than the manual hubs.

 

I see on your profile you are in VA. I'm in southern WV. What part of VA are you in? If you're not too far away, and would want to drive up to my shop, I have all the tools needed and would be happy to help you change them free of charge. I'm sure it won't cost $900 in fuel to get here

 

Thats a heck of a generous offer Mr. Bill! Tried to rep ya.

 

Lol damn nice people around here.

Yeah ford was brave enough to ask 1000 for doing ball joints

 

I'm pretty sure that price is cheap too. It seems like a couple local shops were charging $1,300. But that may have been on the SDs with the unit bearings.

 

If 900 is cheap for ball joint work, I'm pretty sure I need to do a lot more of it!!

 

Well its expensive, but given that I have heard and seen people charging more its not as expensive as it could be lol.

 

The last two sets of moog tie rid ends I out on didn't last a year. I wouldn't put moog on my go kart. The last set came from Autozoo and out lasted the moog.

To me the ball joint tool is a PITA I just use a BFH, socket and a VISE

 

My lite brother paid 1200 to have the ones on his FX4 F150 changed.

 

WOOT! I got him for ya. Surprised i could rep Bill... lol

The only reputable shop around here for diesels wanted $960 out the door.

yikes.

 

I changed mine last summer. It is a pain in the *** but you will save a lot of money. I rented tools from Advance which was the ball joint tool and the sockets for the hubs. I ended up using a torch to get one of them out. While I had everything apart I replaced the U joints on the right side. Patience, PB blaster and make notes how things come apart.

 

I would do it for half and feel like i was ripping some one off...that's insame!