Found my 99 E150 had a worn out lower left ball joint (only 69K) while replacing brakes & rotors. I plan to replace all 4 myself & then have it aligned. Any suggestions to make this go right? Already thinking I'll get the press tool from Autozone or Advance.
Thanks in advance,
99e150advantage

 

I did my '01 E-350 back in July, it's a bit of work and you'll need a press kit to R&R.

 

You know, I've had that press tool and it damaged half the tie rod ends taking them out. It kept wanting to walk off the top of the threaded shaft and I actually ended up deforming the metal and ruining the threads before it let go. It was really, really hard to get to work as intended.

My mechanic brother said I didn't need that tool, just get a big hammer and hit the ball from one side, then the other. Like on the side of the ball. This turned out to be remarkably effective, easy, cheap, and didn't damage anything.

Of course if you're tossing the tie rods then damaging the threads won't be an issue, but it may still be much easier and cheaper.

I measured the length of the adjustable rod before taking it apart and installed the new one with the drag link adjusted to the same length. Frankly, the alignment check was a total waste of time and money, they said it was fine.

Lube the top and bottom of the kingpin at the same time. Keep all this stuff lubed regularly if you want it to last. Also, there's lube points on the top and bottom u-joints of the drive shaft you should do at the same time (you know, I've had this vehicle for years and only recently discovered those fittings).