Ball Joints
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
Ball Joints
I have almost 133K on my 99. I'm thinking of replacing the upper and lower ball joints. I plan to do it myself. Does anyone have any suggestions or problems encountered in doing this job? Is an alignment necessary when completed? This vehicle has never had an alignment since I have owned it, since 22K .
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Joined: Oct 2006
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99 Expy ball joints
Upper ball joint is integral to the control arm, so you need to change the entire arm. Not too bad at all. I just replaced the alignment shims that were already there, and did not take it for an alignment, as it drove great. Decided to have my mech do the lower ball joints, as he quoted me $65 per side for labor. Not worth my time and trouble for that. After he changed the lowers,he checked alignment and it was OK without adjustment. Went with Moog parts because they come with zerks.
After that labor quote, i asked for quote for changing spark plugs. He quoted $125, so I took it back the next day to swap out he plugs.
After that labor quote, i asked for quote for changing spark plugs. He quoted $125, so I took it back the next day to swap out he plugs.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Dago USA... SO CAL
where can i get a $125 spark plug change on an Expo????? This must be a 4.6?
going rate around here for my 5.4 is at least double that. I did my own plugs last time and i can see why they charge so much...
going rate around here for my 5.4 is at least double that. I did my own plugs last time and i can see why they charge so much...
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Connecticut
Considering the cost of tires, I would consider an alignment after your planned repair of front suspension. I observed that the bolts holding the upper arms are what get adjusted for camber, thus my suggestion.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Ball Joints
Originally Posted by Gevans17
Upper ball joint is integral to the control arm, so you need to change the entire arm. Not too bad at all. I just replaced the alignment shims that were already there, and did not take it for an alignment, as it drove great. Decided to have my mech do the lower ball joints, as he quoted me $65 per side for labor. Not worth my time and trouble for that. After he changed the lowers,he checked alignment and it was OK without adjustment. Went with Moog parts because they come with zerks.
After that labor quote, i asked for quote for changing spark plugs. He quoted $125, so I took it back the next day to swap out he plugs.
After that labor quote, i asked for quote for changing spark plugs. He quoted $125, so I took it back the next day to swap out he plugs.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 285
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
I purchased Upper and Lower ball joints from Rock Auto for $110 including shipping. I plan to install next weekend.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
Installed the Ball Joints on Friday (myself). Had it aligned on Saturday. The alignment guy said in order to get everything in the GREEN I need to install Cam Bolts so the upper A frames are adjustable. I just drove it 300 miles and everything "felt" good. I'll install the Upper cam bolts when I get a chance and get another alignment done to be sure.
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