Ball joint help needed
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 435
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Ball joint help needed
I will be replacing the lower ball joints on the 97 in a few weeks. Going through my chiltons it says the lower ball joints and lower control arm are one piece and not servicible and need to be replaced togather. Is this true? Wheres the best and cheapiest place to get them? Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 111
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From: Auburn
I have never changed the ball joints on my truck, but have changed plenty on other vehicles. You either need a ball joint press, looks like a large c-clamp or a conventional press with different diameter and length pipe and other make shift "attachments". You might be able to remove the spindle assembly and take it to a machine shop or mechanic to change the ball joints. This would save you some money.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: Montague, MI.
You can also borrow the ball joint press from some auto parts stores. I believe Autozone has been mentioned as one such auto parts store that lends tools out.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Yep what they all said. some of the f-150's need control arms replaced but not our trucks. Also if you are going to replace 1 ball joint do them both on that side. No sense to do the lower and have to do the upper a month later.
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