2003 Ex 7 3 4x4 10" lift 37" tires.

I believe that I have In upper ball joint failing. Will do upper and lower.
Should I also do wheel bearing while disassembled?
I also heard there are some needle bearings in the front end. Should those be replaced?
what else should I do while there?

 

I can help a little bit, but a 4x4 guy will be able to help more.
First: lift the front end supported safely.
Front hubs: when lifted off the ground, grab the top of your tire with one hand and the bottom with the other and try to wiggle the whole wheel toward and away from you in opposed directions (push the top while pulling the bottom and vice versus) if that makes sense. There should be no play or a minuscule amount. Also, check for any gritty or grinding sounds while spinning your tire/wheel freely. Give it a good spin. It shouldn’t go on forever, but it shouldn’t stop spinning right after you release your hand from it.
Steering: check for play in steering by grabbing hold of each component, and again, try to wiggle them back and forth testing the threaded pieces to see if the teeth are still engaging tightly.
Visually observe all of your bushings and grab and squeeze them by hand to see if there are any cracks in them. Not too long ago I was checking my rear swaybar endlinks and the polyurethane bushings were gone. I mean they were gone; nothing there at all.
While your down there, take a good look at your body mount bushings. They maybe in good condition, but most likely, they will show signs of cracking. If you are inclined, replace with polyurethane. This is probably the biggest PIA project I ever encountered, but in my humble opinion, one of the best upgrades I’ve done.
For front wheel bearings, OEM or Spicer are best. I had a set of Moogs and they were so stiff I was constantly jerking the steering wheel back and forth because they kept sticking in place.
For bushings, try and go with polyurethane, where possible, and OEM where not.
At least this will be a start.
Good luck.

 

I use @1975StroppeBaja tech page for a bunch of guides. Excursion tech folder is another great resource.

Does your ESOF system work? Are you keeping it factory? If not grease the unit-bearings through the ABS hole.

At minimum I'd lube the inner needle bearings, change the u-joiints and seals and lube the brakes.

2004 F250 Super Duty 4x4

 

Get the XRF front end kit. I also replaced all the vac seals , hubs, joints, rotors , calipers and pads.

Everything on mine looked factory except the pads and it had 260K on it.

 

im the OP.. I have Warn manual hubs. But drivers side hub needs some work as I can spin it 360 degrees with just a little strength, anyways that another subject.
I have a click in 4x4 when turning and locked hubs. U joints feel solid but all threads point to u joints in the axle..
I need to learn more about the needle bearings.
i know i need a ball joint so while everything is out, i want to preventative maintenance.

 

I used this kit when I worked on my front end
https://venturestruckparts.com/produ...eal-kit-98-01/
best of all is it is all genuine spicer parts.

I replaced all steering components, ball joints, brakes, and unit bearings. Mine drives like new now. Holds the road and has absolutely no wander. It did take about 3k miles to get the ball joints broken in and get rid of memory steer.

 

I Just did this last week, not to bad of a job. First of all look in the Tech folder!!!!! Tons and tons of information on almost everything. There is literally step by step instructions on how to do this in the tech folder with amazing photos.
I did knuckle seals, hub O-ring, grease the needle bearing in the hub, New U-Joints, dust seal, abs sensor (not necessary, but i broke mine accidentally)

 

I took a look at the tech folder and going to look at it again since I'm trying to convince myself to do it. I do everything a little timid as I have never been into a solid axle before. Only CV style front ends.
Did you use the Ford axle shaft installer tool? If so, Did you already have it, did you borrow it or did buy it for the job? If not what did you use to install the axle shaft seals?

 

I used the seal installation tool. I purchased it from Amazon for $70.

 

The tool for the seals is a must. I got mine off of Amazon or ebay, can't remember. Sucked to have to buy it to use it twice and hopefully never use it again but didn't want to risk ruining the seals either.

 

I had a local machine shop press on the Vac Seals for $40. Just another option if you don't want to buy the tool.

 

You can make a tool with pipe and a flange.

 

Thanks I ended up buying this kit... best price was on Ebay from the same vendor.