replacing ball joints with moog

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Apr 20, 2014 | 01:31 AM

f250d4x4

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replacing ball joints with moog

i have an 03 f150 5.4 2 wheel drive------------I went with moog ball joint on the lowers. The moogs has grooves cut into the area that slides up into the ...."a arm" (dunno correct name) yet it is not made to accept grooves as it is just a smooth service. The parts house where i got them were already closed and will be closed tomorrow as well. Hoping to do it by then. I just wasnt sure if it matters or not?

Apr 20, 2014 | 01:39 PM

first today

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From: Prairieville, La

That is how the ball joint "grips" the hole in the a arm. It will be just fine.

May 19, 2014 | 01:34 AM

scottperkins

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I just found out I have about a half inch play in my bottom ball joints in my
2000 F150 2wd. I definitely want to select ball joints that can be greased
via zerk fittings for replacement. Do the Moogs you selected have zerk fittings?

It is possible to replace the lower ball joints by using only a floor jack
to jack up under the A-Arm to compress the coils a little? ( or is that a crazy idea ? )

I can see there is a c-clip on the top side of the ball joint as it comes
through the A Arm and I was hoping by removing the big nut on the
bottom I could just hammer the old ball joint out.

Otherwise what is the recommended way to remove and replace just
the bottom ball joint ?

May 19, 2014 | 05:14 PM

steve(ill)

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You take off the brake caliper and disc. You take the nut off the upper and lower ball joints. You pop the taper fit loose and pull the knuckle over the the side. Now you are looking at the lower A frame with the ball joint in it. You borrow a ball joint press from Auto Zone or others and press the ball out of the A frame. You then use the press to push the new joint into the A frame. The snap ring is just a safety. The joint is TIGHT, you can not do it with a floor jack... Will post a link if i can find it.

May 19, 2014 | 05:17 PM

steve(ill)

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https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...f-150-4x4.html

click on the highlighted words in the discussion to see photos.

May 19, 2014 | 08:05 PM

scottperkins

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Quote:

Originally Posted by steve(ill)

Steve, Thanks for the info but just to make sure, I have a couple
clarifying questions.
1. You are talking about 2WD here. Right ?
2. IF you are only replacing the lower ball joint, could you get by
with less disassembly. especially the upper ball joint? I'm probably wrong but could you also leave the rotor and caliper attached and just disconnect the bottom ball joint and swing the axle-spindle-rotor all
out of the way with rotor and brakes still attached ?

This would assume that the floor jack is supporting the bottom
A-Arm and keeping the coil springs compressed a little. ( rest of
truck is of course on Jack Stands )

May 19, 2014 | 09:41 PM

steve(ill)

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that might work on a 2 x 4 Scott. I have not worked on a 2 wheel drive truck for 20 years ! Without the front axle in the way, you should be able to swing the knuckle over to the side enough. Disc removal just gives a little more room....... yea, i use a floor to raise and lower the A- frame as needed.. Put a stationary jack under the main frame between the tire and radiator to support most of the weight, and use the jack to raise and lower the A- frame. ... sometimes removing the tie rod ball joint will give a lot more wiggle room on the knuckle.