1998 Expedition Front Suspension
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore
1998 Expedition Front Suspension
how much work is involed or how much should it cost to have the front suspension gone through?
Truck has 130,000 miles and needs new ball joints, tie rods, etc...
What all should be replaced? Anything I can do in the driveway?
Thanks
Truck has 130,000 miles and needs new ball joints, tie rods, etc...
What all should be replaced? Anything I can do in the driveway?
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 689
Likes: 1
From: VA
Lower ball joints are more safety critical than upper, so replace them with serviceable replacements (grease fittings). Now you haven't really described your suspension very much, like whether you have 4x4, air suspension, and the kind of driving you do. I have replaced both lower ball joints, but not the uppers. I have replaced all the shocks. My truck has 130K miles. Have ever you had a wheel alignment done, and are you the original owner. If no and yes, then you will have to purchased a camber alignment kit for the front wheels to allow adjustment. 
Part #4 is the one that requires the kit. They put a non-adjustable bolt in at the factory because the truck is "perfect" of course. At your first alignment, these bolts are replaced with a cam style bolt allowing adjustment of the camber.
The Pitman arm is part #5 and the Idler arm is part #6. Check the Pitman arm and the Idler arm for wear and looseness. They have grease fittings and should be lubed. You have to crawl under the front and really look up high to find the fittings; they are not easily visible. Take a light with you.
Part #4 is the one that requires the kit. They put a non-adjustable bolt in at the factory because the truck is "perfect" of course. At your first alignment, these bolts are replaced with a cam style bolt allowing adjustment of the camber.
The Pitman arm is part #5 and the Idler arm is part #6. Check the Pitman arm and the Idler arm for wear and looseness. They have grease fittings and should be lubed. You have to crawl under the front and really look up high to find the fittings; they are not easily visible. Take a light with you.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore
sorry, 4x4, don't think they had air until 1999. I did find this article which was VERY helpfull.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ce+ball+joints
It is a DD, occasionally TOW my 01 cobra but not a LOT...have not owned it since new, original owner had about 100K on it before I got it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ce+ball+joints
It is a DD, occasionally TOW my 01 cobra but not a LOT...have not owned it since new, original owner had about 100K on it before I got it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Great info, 2000EXPY. I've got a 97 Exp EB 4x4 with air suspension. What parts do I need to replace with about 88k miles on it? (Yes, I know, that's super low miles, but it truly is a utility vehicle...better be at 14 MPG!) My current issue with it is that it groans and squeals when I turn the wheels, like a ball joint needs grease. But of course, there are no grease fittings that I can find.
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Posting Guru
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98 Expy 4 x 2 front end suspension overhaul
PepBoys quoted approx $250 to replace right and left upper control arms (including new ball joint) and right and left lower ball joints. I am supplying Moog parts with grease fittings. Above price is labor only, including alignment
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Senior User
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From: Gary, IN
2000EXPY,
This camber kit you speak of is a necessity? I ask b/c I had my front end done last year. Replaced both upper control arms, lower ball joints, inner & outer tie rod ends, end links, & sway bar bushings. When I took it in for alignment the tech said he got as close as he could. He suggested the upper arms were switched. Don't know if that's possible but that's what I was told. Mentioned nothing of needing a camber kit. Where could one find this kit? Dealer only?
Thanks.
This camber kit you speak of is a necessity? I ask b/c I had my front end done last year. Replaced both upper control arms, lower ball joints, inner & outer tie rod ends, end links, & sway bar bushings. When I took it in for alignment the tech said he got as close as he could. He suggested the upper arms were switched. Don't know if that's possible but that's what I was told. Mentioned nothing of needing a camber kit. Where could one find this kit? Dealer only?
Thanks.
