Ball Joints HELP
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Ball Joints HELP
<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width="100%">I have an 86 F150 and I need to replace the ball joints but I can't remove the old ones, the problem I seem to be having is getting the slotted thing-a-majig off the top ball joint so the spindle will drop down to remove the top and then the bottom and put back together, any help would be greatly appreciated. Other than that I have moved the air box to the front of the engine compartment and it seems to have helped with performance and mileage, but I'm still on the first tank of gas but I have went 150 miles on 1/2 tank and thats way better than it was before so we will see.
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right width=305>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right width=305>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Last edited by thisoldtruck; Apr 10, 2007 at 10:15 AM.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,949
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
Here's a link that may help.
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm
I don't remember messing with the slotted thing to get it apart. It's just an eccentric piece they use for alignment purposes. I got the whole thing apart, and that came with it or it stayed in the axle arm, i can't remember. I was replacing the lower ball joint, so I did that and put it back together. I am thinking you only have to mess with that thing if you are going to replace the upper ball joint, and then you only mess with it after you get it apart.
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm
I don't remember messing with the slotted thing to get it apart. It's just an eccentric piece they use for alignment purposes. I got the whole thing apart, and that came with it or it stayed in the axle arm, i can't remember. I was replacing the lower ball joint, so I did that and put it back together. I am thinking you only have to mess with that thing if you are going to replace the upper ball joint, and then you only mess with it after you get it apart.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
If this guy is talking about how to remove the balljoints from the knuckle, don't listen to him. You'll crack the knuckle before you pound it out. Never mind how you'll get the new one in.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 0
From: savannah,ga
articles and specs at top of page
look in steering
look up changing ball joints in an e-150
go down to item #12 and it willsay something silly about ford
and hammers and ball joint removal
look in steering
look up changing ball joints in an e-150
go down to item #12 and it willsay something silly about ford
and hammers and ball joint removal
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
It says: "Loosen the lower balljoint. The Ford Manual says this should be done by striking the lower axle near the lower balljoint."
This is for removing the knuckle with the balljoints in it out of the axle housing. When you said spindle above, I thought you meant knuckle - some people use the terms interchangeably. Then when you mentioned the snap ring, I really thought you were talking about pounding the lower ball joint out of the knuckle as it's held in by a snap ring.
Don't know how I missed that.
This is for removing the knuckle with the balljoints in it out of the axle housing. When you said spindle above, I thought you meant knuckle - some people use the terms interchangeably. Then when you mentioned the snap ring, I really thought you were talking about pounding the lower ball joint out of the knuckle as it's held in by a snap ring.
Don't know how I missed that.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
A ball joint press will be much easier than trying to hammer out a rusted in ball joint. The body of the ball joint is held in by an interference fit (Friction & compression of the steel) If your ball joints snap ring is difficult to remove, most likely, the ball joint will be hard to remove too. A press is much safer and will work better.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 423
From: Too close to Houston
When you get that free rental press from Autozone or wherever, do yourself a favor. You will probably find the thing very dirty and abused. Take the time to clean it up and lubricate the threads with never-seez or some wheel bearing grease. It will take a lot less torque to press the parts out that way.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 0
From: savannah,ga
I've had plenty of those brain farts
tie rod ends, ball joints, any taper fit
type of connection where there is a heavy cast steel part,
A good hit from a 2# ball peen hammer and they are apart
tie rod ends, ball joints, any taper fit
type of connection where there is a heavy cast steel part,
A good hit from a 2# ball peen hammer and they are apart
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LostMayhem
Lightning, Harley-Davidson F-150, Roush F-150 & Saleen F-150
6
Jan 9, 2008 12:17 AM
MrNuckelhead
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
11
Jul 9, 2007 07:39 AM
brianstacy
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
4
Apr 16, 2007 11:25 PM
