Ball joints
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Ball joints
Hello,
I would like to ask anyone here who has replaced the ball joints on thier 95 F150 if they have had any trouble? I have a new ball joint press. Are there any tricks or things I should watch out for? In advance I would like to thank any and all replies.
T. Mayers
I would like to ask anyone here who has replaced the ball joints on thier 95 F150 if they have had any trouble? I have a new ball joint press. Are there any tricks or things I should watch out for? In advance I would like to thank any and all replies.
T. Mayers
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From: PA
I was told that a clamp-style ball joint press may not work. I suggest you plan to do the work in a way that allows you to take the knuckle to a shop if your tools don't get the job done. I just paid a shop to do the whole job for me - about $300 with parts for one corner.
Dave
Dave
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Just got done doing all four on my '92. New tool with all the addapters, cost me over $325.00. The biggest problem I had was getting the cam adj off the top! After that it went pretty easy. Started with a 1/2 in impact with a 3/8 in hose but ended up using a1/2 in hose with a 3/4 impact. they DO come of VERY HARD!! Be ready for some loud popping noise- be sure to use safty glasses. OAD
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
I agree with OAD, I have the OTC balljoint press kit myself and it makes it very easy to do. Sometimes it takes the clamp and some heat to get them out. I'd pop the spindle out and take it to a local shop, probably save yourself some skinned knuckles and aggravation unless you have the right tools. 
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From: Remsen, NY
I did these a month or two ago, huge improvement. I have a very good impact wrench and one of the ball joint presses but it would not take the top ones out at 140psi. I had to use the shop press to break them loose.
Here are threads with posts I made:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ght=ball+joint
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ght=ball+joint
Air tools, a shop press and heat were absolutely necessary for me to do this up here in the rust belt on a 10+ year old truck. There is no way I could have done it with just hand tools.
Here are threads with posts I made:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ght=ball+joint
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ght=ball+joint
Air tools, a shop press and heat were absolutely necessary for me to do this up here in the rust belt on a 10+ year old truck. There is no way I could have done it with just hand tools.
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https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...all+joint+F150
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...all+joint+F150
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...all+joint+F150
Place a chuck block on the rear tires and set the emergency brake for added safety. Will need to raise the truck and place jack stands on the frame rail remove the tires (this will allow the A frame on front to hang freely). Will need to remove the lower shock absorber mount. Loosen ball joint nut, and with a pickle fork to break apart the ball joint from the spindle unit. Might need to remove tie rod ends (use a tie rod end seperator) Read the thread above, the thread will help on tools needed and will have some more advice. Can place the floor jack under the A frame to support it.
-Buck-
"Safety first, check and recheck"
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...all+joint+F150
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...all+joint+F150
Place a chuck block on the rear tires and set the emergency brake for added safety. Will need to raise the truck and place jack stands on the frame rail remove the tires (this will allow the A frame on front to hang freely). Will need to remove the lower shock absorber mount. Loosen ball joint nut, and with a pickle fork to break apart the ball joint from the spindle unit. Might need to remove tie rod ends (use a tie rod end seperator) Read the thread above, the thread will help on tools needed and will have some more advice. Can place the floor jack under the A frame to support it.
-Buck-
"Safety first, check and recheck"
Last edited by 1975Ford; Mar 2, 2006 at 10:22 AM.