rookie here-please help

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Apr 5, 2005 | 02:26 AM

tmaxw03

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rookie here-please help

I am new to this and my computer experience is limited so please be patient. I have a 2000 F-150, 2WD, 4.2L with 98k on it. I bought the truck from my dad with app. 78k on it. I am fairly religious about p/m and upkeep. I went to a local shop the other day to have it aligned and was told that I needed close to a thousand dollars worth of front end parts before it can be aligned. After consulting another shop, I was told that I needed some of the same parts as the first shop told me, in addition to some other parts. My question is: is it common for these models to need upper and lower ball joints and possibly pitman/control arms at 98k? Tire wear seems even and it only pulls to one side a little with virtually no shimmy. And if it is common, anyone have a particular brand that is reasonbly priced and decent? And since I am on a limited budget I am considering tackling this project myself. Any advice, pointers, suggestions, reprimands, or wisecracks are greatly appreciated. And needed. Thanks.
Tim

Apr 5, 2005 | 03:54 AM

Torque1st

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Hello welcome to FTE! The people in this forum should have some answers for you.

Apr 5, 2005 | 12:06 PM

BillyBob69

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From: Wheatland, Mo

There have been many posts in here where others have listed their mileage and what they have repaired on the suspensions. I have only 85K on mine and no porbs. Do a search in this forum for "Ball Joints" and you will get TONS of information. Hit the link below then you will see the SEARCH to the top right of the forum threads.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/f...to_forumsearch
Just type in BALL JOINTS and be ready to read alot. You will even find intructions on how to replacce them.

Apr 5, 2005 | 05:19 PM

kaysersuzuki

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not uncommon for ball joints to be worn at that milage,i have seen some with less,explorers were notorious at 50,000,i would either get motorcraft or aftermarket as they have grease zirks