Read hundreds of threads on this subject..... But still can't seem to find my answer! I have a 2001 super crew lariat, 2WD, 129,000 on the clock.... Brand new tires (old ones wore evenly), and I have to constantly steer my truck, at any speed. No real clunks, or squeaks coming from the front. It just drifts around while driving and won't track straight.... I know for a fact it's not alignment because they showed my specs when I had my tires changed, and said it didn't need it. Been to ford and Firestone to investigate the problem. Both say ball joints, but ford goes a little further and says lower, upper and driver side inner tie rod end. Seems cut and dry? However, I'm not convinced because when I do the typical ball joint and tie rod checks, it doesn't reveal any symptoms commensurate with a worn joint. I'm mechanically inclined, and have all the tools and parts ready to replace upper, lower bLl joints and all tie rod ends. I did notice the idler arm appears loose, and buckles when I shake the wheel left and right with the suspension off the ground. Could that be my problem? I don't want to sink $325 in parts to maybe solve a problem that a $50 can. I also checked wheel bearing play. I will admit that the boot appears gone on the driver side lower ball joint, so I think I'll replace it. Big question: Should I just go ahead and replace it all? It's my daily driver, and $325 in parts is way cheaper than 2 ball joints for $690 from Firestone, or $1100 from ford for upper and lower ***** and one tie rod end?

 

Solved my own problem.... Took a little more comprehensive approach to checking my ball joints.... I just took the damn things out to look at them.... As I made my way around, I wound up replacing them all..... Needless to say, those silly mechanics were right.... Replaced all upper and lower ball joints, and went ahead and replaced the idler arm as well due to its grease boots were torn and leaking. Lesson learned..... Really am easy job with the right tools, which I had!

One afterthought..... My ball joint press wasn't wide enough to accept a cup both top and bottom forcing me to press the joint in against the rubber boot, not real damaged, but the pass side boot didn't quite live, still completely intact, but blew the bottom out. Holds grease still. It's a cheap part, and easy to replace. If it fails, I'll keep thee tap note about using a different ball joint press next time

 

Thanks for solving your own problem. Mine is doing this too--I'm going to have to take a look at the ball joints. Question: how much did this repair run you?

 

With ball joints, upper and lower both sides, the idler arm and a lifetime alignment from Firestone, right at $350. A fair price considering Ford wanted $1100, and Firestone wanted somewhere near $750 with just lower ball joints.

Don't be scared, it was really easy