Installing New Ball Joints
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Pleasant Hill, MO
Installing New Ball Joints
I need new ball joints on my 1984 Ford Bronco. I got an estimate from my mechanic, but I wanted to make sure this isn't a job I can save on by doing myself. Has anyone replaced their own ball joints? Is it hard? How could I do it? I might have access to a lift if that's the biggest problem. Thanks for your help.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Pleasant Hill, MO
Well, first mechanic quoted it at $390 for upper and lower on one side, but I got a second estimate for considerably cheaper. With the second estimate I feel a little bit better about taking it to a mechanic. I'll take your advice. Thanks for your quick reply!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 460
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
I've replaced ball joints on several of my vehicles. If you have ever done the brakes on your vehicle (including rotors) you are half way there. The second biggest half is that you must pull your shaft and push out the ball joints. You can buy a ball joint tool from most auto repair places like partsource, NAPA and princess auto for about 15 bucks. They push them out like nothing. The Haynes books have a good method for doing it. Make sure not to beat on the new ones with a hammer when you are installing them. If you choose to do them yourself make sure to give a shout back if you run into trouble.
Dwoodler
Dwoodler
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Pleasant Hill, MO
I'll take a look at those resources. Thanks for the references! I'll have to see how interested my boyfriend would be in helping me with this project, since he's got more experience with working on trucks. It'd be great to save the money I'd have to pay a mechanic!
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
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I decided to pay a mechanic even though I wanted to do it myself.It was $219.00 for labor and misc.exp for one side.I already had the ball joints.I was going to do it myself but gave up.You can't be in a hurry that's for sure.Mechanic told me he used an air chisel to get spindle off and told me the pullers are junk.I had bought a spindle puller and rented a slide hammer(per others on this sight) and it was worthless.Just resold my spindle puller to get some money back.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: TX
I'd buy the tools and do it myself if I were you. We put new balljoints in my driver side on the trail, while my bronco was stranded on a rock ledge. It's really not hard to do. Get the big lock nut socket for the spindle and a ball joint press. And it helps if you have a cordless impact gun. Makes taking off and installing the joint's a breeze.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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I have an 92 bronco going to try to replace myself . 500.00 price just for labor. I got the parts i need, just waiting for my tools to arrive . try doing it yourself, you will learn alot about your front end. This way you can see anything else that might be wrong. Buy the parts yourself. Get Moog parts, i heard they last the longest. Your will need these tools............... 6" C-clamp ....for taking off the caliper , remember to drain some fluid from the reservior to avoid overflowing on the engine. you need 1 5/16 and 1 9/16 wrenches. a Ball joint separator...........aka pickle fork. some penatrating oil to help get the old ball joints out. a 2lb mallet will help also. some snap ring pliers for taking out the snap ring. A lockout spanner for the locknut. about 15 bucks. also you have to rent a ball joint press, from auto zone it cost 100 bucks to rent out, you get the money back when you return it. If you can spare a day on this job go for it. You need the extra you save money for gas 
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 82
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From: Pleasant Hill, MO
And if I get a Haynes manual I should be able to figure out how to do it? How do I need to lift it? Should I use a shop lift or can I use a jack or something else? I've got the time, and I'd really like to do it myself. I'm already cutting it close on my summer wages on paying off my loan money and gas.
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From: In the Middle
Originally Posted by ladyBronco
Should I use a shop lift or can I use a jack or something else?
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From: In the Middle
Originally Posted by twisted limb
Mechanic told me he used an air chisel to get spindle off and told me the pullers are junk.I had bought a spindle puller and rented a slide hammer(per others on this sight) and it was worthless.Just resold my spindle puller to get some money back.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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Originally Posted by ladyBronco
And if I get a Haynes manual I should be able to figure out how to do it? How do I need to lift it? Should I use a shop lift or can I use a jack or something else? I've got the time, and I'd really like to do it myself. I'm already cutting it close on my summer wages on paying off my loan money and gas.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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Originally Posted by 460
What kind of puller did you have? Mine has never needed more than 2 whacks of the slide weight to remove any spindle.