Hello,

I recently purchased a 1997 Ford F250 HD 4x4 I’m going through replacing a bunch of old parts. Ive gotten to the front end and I’m kinda lost of what parts to order. I’m looking to replace, on both passenger and driver, the upper and lower ball joints, U-Joints, wheel hub and bearings, and brake rotors. Previous owner put new calipers and pads on. This truck doesn’t have manual locking hubs for the 4x4 I’ve been using rockauto and had decent success in the past but with this many parts to replace I’d like some guidance. Has the 3850LB axle up front

 

The reason is because they are worn out? I wouldn’t be spending that much time and money on it if the parts are still serviceable.

 

All these parts appear original and are showing their age. Rubber/plastic on ball joints is dry rotted and cracking. Wheel bearings have plenty of play in the tire when tire is off the ground. Rotors have pretty good grooves. Would like to proactive and replace parts that could give me problems in the future given their age and already lack of 100% performance. Plus it’s just enjoyable.

 

I’m not sure what manual or auto hubs has to do with anything that you mentioned replacing unless you are going to also replace them too? I’d stick with whatever brands you have been happy with in the past.

You should be able to clean, inspect and repack the wheel bearings. Enjoyable until you can’t get the old ball joint or universal joint out.

 

Oem steering components are getting harder to find, but you should still be able to get Dana spicer ball joints.

Take a look into XRF. American undercar sells them in kits, ball joints and steering. Fit well, work well. Good after the sale support as well. I tore a boot somehow, and they sent me a couple free, I just paid the postage to Canada.

there are others as well on RA, Moog etc. There is also Torque King 4x4, great website, good parts, expensive.
I didn’t look for the D50TTB, but Dynatrac has nice ball joints as well, very expensive but rebuildable if that interests you.

But, I’ve yet to read anything bad on XRF for a daily driver type of truck.

Look under your front diff, what does it say on the bottom? Does it have ‘50’ embossed on it? Just make sure which front axle you have, who knows what has been swapped in, etc. You may also have an easier time looking for parts by asking for 1996 F250. Im also assuming you still have a TTB.

 

Look under your front diff, what does it say on the bottom? Does it have ‘50’ embossed on it? Just make sure which front axle you have, who knows what has been swapped in, etc. You may also have an easier time looking for parts by asking for 1996 F250. Im also assuming you still have a TTB.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the insightful response. I do have a 50 embossed on the front diff. I did search the XRF website. Having trouble getting a kit for the 3,850LB that includes upper and lower ball joints though

 

I’ve seen this come up a couple of times. A lower rated Dana 50 TTB. not sure why, but it seems to exist.

Heres a thread from last year, looks like the OP ordered ball joints for a D50 TTB 4,600# axle.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ll-joints.html

If you do a Google search, there are a couple of threads on it. If you end up replacing ball joints, post up what you find.

 

If I selected the correct truck, Rockauto has everything you'll need for a wide range of prices, depending on what brand you select. You'll have to determine if your ball joints are bad, etc, but I will say, in my experience, it's a heck of a lot easier to change an entire control arm than to press out/in new bushings. Upper/lower ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rod ends, sway bar links if you got them, repack or replace wheel bearings. Those repairs, best done all at once, will make it drive like new! You'll need an alignment. Bad tires will also affect your steering as well as your steering box. Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

Based on “control arms” I’m going to say you looked up a light duty F-250. The OP said he is going to change the ball joints because the dust boots are cracked.

 

Yeah, I read that, too. It's meant as encouragement.

 

What is meant as encouragement? The OP’s truck does not have control arms but a light duty does.

1997 Light Duty F-250

 

My bad. I shouldn't have said anything.