89 lower ball joint replacement
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Joined: May 2007
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89 lower ball joint replacement
I was going to replace the lower left ball joint on my 89 Aerostar but my Chiltons manual and the dealer both say it is not replaceable, you have to do the entire control arm - a $250 part! Is the 89 special or can I use an aftermarket product to replace it? Thanks for you input.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
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they stock several top quality name brand LBJs for '89
fast low cost drop shipping
Last edited by 96_4wdr; May 28, 2007 at 06:11 PM.
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From: North Jersey, New Jersey
Thats just bunch of dealer bull. I'm sure Ford made a killing though when it came to replacement 
.
The lower BJs have to be pressed out you can rent the tool its just a big C-clamp with a round adapter to be placed under the joint.
You place a round catch that comes with the tool where the joint will come out then install the clamp.
Tighten the clamp with a socket wrench until the joint comes out of the bottom. Reverse the process to reinstall.
.The lower BJs have to be pressed out you can rent the tool its just a big C-clamp with a round adapter to be placed under the joint.
You place a round catch that comes with the tool where the joint will come out then install the clamp.
Tighten the clamp with a socket wrench until the joint comes out of the bottom. Reverse the process to reinstall.
Last edited by krankshaft; May 28, 2007 at 09:49 PM.
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From: Georgia
You can do it. It's not too hard. I rented the press from Autozone. I had a hard time trying to figure out how to put the press into use. I found this website with pictures on getting the ball joint in and out. Note that in the pictures the press upside down compared to what you will need with the Aerostar.
The upper ball joints are another issue. Much harder.
The upper ball joints are another issue. Much harder.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Kiev, Ukraine
I used to replace upper ones. A bit harder. Just cut away 6 riviets and that is all.
To install use bolts.
To install use bolts.
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From: North Jersey, New Jersey
To remove uppers you will need to remove the rivets either drill them out or chisel them out. The new ones bolt on.
To drill them out use a center punch to place a dimple in the center of the rivet so your drill doesn't wander. Once you have gotten through remove the top half or the rivet and pound out the rest with the center punch.
To chisel them out I would use an air chisel however since that method seems like it could damage the upper control arm I would use the drill method.
To drill them out use a center punch to place a dimple in the center of the rivet so your drill doesn't wander. Once you have gotten through remove the top half or the rivet and pound out the rest with the center punch.
To chisel them out I would use an air chisel however since that method seems like it could damage the upper control arm I would use the drill method.
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Just a tip for 4WD owners who may search this topic. I just replaced mine and the C-clamp tool I used will just barely fit, but I had to pull back the CV boot. Put a piece of thin sheet metal between the threads on the tool and your CV Joint to avoid damage.
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