Took my 1999 E350 Super Van with Diesel engine with 51k miles for wheel alignment. 45K highway miles. From the time newly purchased, slight "pull" to the left, but being a long time van purchaser, my experience that when returned to dealer for re-alignment, better than a 50% chance worse after new alignment. Passenger front tire shows signs of inside scrub (high-low) after 5k highway miles. Usual sign of camber problem.
Ford truck repair dealer has good reputation with others.
The analysis, all four ball joints, uppers and lowers severly worn. All need replacement prior to alignment procedure.
After $750.00, the van steers perfectly. The new *****
#F5UZ-3049-A and XC2Z-3050-AA, have no grease fittings as old, but do appear to have (by installation rotation) total adjustment of caster and camber requirements.
Did anyone ever experience the same?
Without additional regular lubrication, what is the life of these joints?
Failed to ask for old joints, but in my mind, why would uppers and lowers go bad in 51k miles on a vehicle called Super Duty?
Maybe the Diesel a lot heavier than Gas engines, more wear?
Would tire inflation pressure have anything to do with wear?
ANY IDEA'S APPRECIATED!!! THANKS, Jim

 

Programmed obsolescence? They claim new materials used in new style ball joints outlasts greasable joints, I don't think so. They tell you not to drill out plugs and use grease, it causes premature wear.

Why no grease fittings on OEM U-Joints?

Bottom line for years, no profit in new vehicle sales to speak of, make it up in shop and parts dept.

**********************************
94 E-150 Mark III High Top Conversion Van 4.9/C-6
89 Mustang LX 5.0 - 5 speed - Original owner

 

I had a 1993 Mark III E-150 conversion, and I had the same problem. The ball joints were replaced @60K, and then again @125K. When I traded it @180K for my E-350 V-10 Super van, it needed ANOTHER set. And now my 1 ton V-10 @58K feels like it needs ball joints already. It seems to be a problem inherent to the E series. Seems like some aftermarket co. would come up with something that would last a while longer. $35,000 for a van with $2 ball joints, what a scam.

 

>I had a 1993 Mark III E-150 conversion, and I had the same
>problem. The ball joints were replaced @60K, and then again
>@125K. When I traded it @180K for my E-350 V-10 Super van,
>it needed ANOTHER set. And now my 1 ton V-10 @58K feels like
>it needs ball joints already. It seems to be a problem
>inherent to the E series. Seems like some aftermarket co.
>would come up with something that would last a while longer.
>$35,000 for a van with $2 ball joints, what a scam.

I believe Spicer makes a ball joint for all superduty's that has a grease fitting!
So I've been told

Rich





Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville

 

Thanks for the response to the ball joint wear problem.
I had a 1979 and a 1984 with high mileage, replaced them myself when I also replaced shocks and brakes. I do recall the originals and replacements were greasable.
Do not recall new joint manufacturer, but the vans had them till death. I do remember however, that the 1984 van went back to the Ford dealer three times for alignment within the first week after replacement till they got it right. (May have been a deliberate act to blow me off for not paying them to replace/install.)

I did call Ford Customer Service about the joints, to see if it is a problem, or if they would cover part of the cost.

Of course, I was the only van owner to ever report this problem.
Denial is always the first step.

On another note:
Had one of the original Goodyear tires go to shreds on a return trip from Florida in November of 2000. I called Goodyear once home, they said it must have been my fault as they had no other complaints.
Last week, I got a recall on all the tires, I have to make an appointment, and all will be replaced FREE. No recall number, letter says recall is particular to all 1999 E-350 15 passenger vans.
Again, I called to ask about the 5th tire now in a landfill somewhere, was told that unless I had stored it, tough luck.

This is the reason we have to limit the dealers to a purchase price where you can almost see the tears in their eyes.

Jim

 

 

Thats funny because I'm getting my ball joints replaced this friday with new greaseable type thtas why I'm waiting till they get the parts in.These are new hot off the presses ball joints..
Funny how they went back to greaseable.
99 f350 CC DRW PS