HELP - Ball Joint Question
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Joined: Dec 2004
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HELP - Ball Joint Question
I finally broke down and bought Donahoe Racing's 2.5" leveling kit for my 2005 F250 6.0 PSD Fx4 with 38,000 miles. I had decided to get rid of stiffer camper springs and wanted more suspension range and comfort (which was already pretty good). DR shocks are much better quality and wife would have issues if I "lifted" it.
I was about finished. I followed prior suggestion to use small bottle jack and spring compression to help install the springs. WD40 helped to replace the original cam bushings. Everything was OK until the tightening the second upper ball joint nut. The ball joint stud is turning with the nut. Other than cleaning the threads tomorrow and trying an air impact wrench, I am at a loss. I hate to think I have a defective ball joint to replace and am interested in experienced input. And yes, I plan to get a wheel alignment afterwards.
Any advice ??
Brian
I was about finished. I followed prior suggestion to use small bottle jack and spring compression to help install the springs. WD40 helped to replace the original cam bushings. Everything was OK until the tightening the second upper ball joint nut. The ball joint stud is turning with the nut. Other than cleaning the threads tomorrow and trying an air impact wrench, I am at a loss. I hate to think I have a defective ball joint to replace and am interested in experienced input. And yes, I plan to get a wheel alignment afterwards.
Any advice ??
Brian
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 797
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From: Wickenburg, AZ
It's not all that unusual to have one spin on you.
You need to find a way to put some load on the steering knuckle. Not too much, just enough to stop if from turning. You could probably get it done by putting jack underneath and placing a board beetween the jack and the knuckle itself.
You need to find a way to put some load on the steering knuckle. Not too much, just enough to stop if from turning. You could probably get it done by putting jack underneath and placing a board beetween the jack and the knuckle itself.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,130
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From: Massachusetts
My ball joints were shot on my 03 at 45K miles. Yours with 38K, it might be time anyways. Good choice with the DR products. The shocks are that much better. My 250 has the only X code leaf springs. Very stiff and harsh ride compared to the lesser spring weights of others. With 74K on my truck I was thinking of mesing around with shock combinations to see if I could get it ride a bit better.
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Thanks Brett. You were correct. With clean threads, I was able to get the nut down far enough to pull stud tight without spinning. It also helped to take an overnight break and start fresh. The DR leveling kit gets two thumbs up so far, smoother ride. FTE is great for trading information and learning from others.
