Hi,

I am changing the lower ball joints on my 02 F150 Super Crew. I found the only way to do this was to take the knuckle and the upper control arm off. When I did that I noticed that the upper control arms are set in horizonal slots. I was surprised to see that because it looked like the position could slide either way over time given the rigours that the front end goes through...no matter how tight you set the nuts.

I am changing my ball joints because I have really bad inside tire wear and the lower ball joints had some play in them. I am assuming that the ball joints caused the tire wear. But now I am wondering if the upper control arm was not set right. It looks like the tires set toe out...which makes sense for the inside tire wear. Can I change the camber by moving the position of the upper control arm? Or is it best to leave it where it was...I did mark them. If it is OK to change them...where can I find a procedure to set them?

Thanks a lot for all the help.

Hartwa

 

You need an alignment machine to do this. Unless you know how to do the string method. the upper control arm sets Caster/Camber adjustments for the front knuckle, while the tie rod sets toe. You need a special ascentric(sp?) washer kit for the upper control arms to change the settings. Just put them back on where u have it marked and take it to an alignment shop. why did u take the upper control arm off? Unless u are doing upper ball joints(which is the whole arm) you should not need to. Just bungee the cv shaft out of the way, hammer the old ball joint out of the lower control arm, and press the new one back in.....

 

I couldn't get the CV shaft out of the way..it is too long and would not let me get the knuckle low enough to get the ball joint stud free...

Thanks for the help. I will look up the string method and then take it to a shop if it is not right.

 

your suppose to remove the ball joint bolt from the upper ball joint and remove the knuckle leaving the upper control arm and ball joint in. Then bend the knuckle out and let drop down and the lower ball joint will fall out and the cv shaft will slide out too.....