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Nov 10, 2007 | 10:31 AM

kottondog

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ball joints

I have a 03 with 45,000. Mech. told me that all 4 ball joints were bad, plus tierod ends.
He said that ford was know for there "soft ball joints"
Anyone heard of this.

Nov 10, 2007 | 10:45 AM

cratemotor

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Yep! Mine went out at 50,000 miles. Replace them with the greasable ones, should last longer.

Nov 10, 2007 | 10:56 AM

ken kenmnedy

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From: muskegon mi.

yup gotta a buddy in the buiss,mine gave up at 62k he's seen some go 100k on factory ball joints I guess the harder or more you use them (doin truck stuff) the sooner they go but yea I seen guys here gettin them changed under warrnty with the same factory stuff get the greaseable ones and get them greased regular and well see how long these last. yes I get to grease mine now!!!!

Nov 10, 2007 | 11:15 AM

mkratz23

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I too have had mine replaced. I had 30000 miles on the odometer at that time and they only did the lowers. The mechanic said I'll see ya at 60000 to do all of them. (Hope it is covered under warranty). What a bunch of crap.

Nov 10, 2007 | 11:58 AM

jim042796

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Joined: May 2007

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From: Aurora, IL

This is a very common problem. If you plan to do them yourself, check out Racerguy's excellent procedures:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ll-joints.html

Last edited by jim042796; Nov 10, 2007 at 12:01 PM. Reason: correct link

Nov 10, 2007 | 12:05 PM

kottondog

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Wow. I guess maybe I should not thinks so badly of my mech. I have had a lot of fords, and hadn't heard of this before. You would think that Ford could by better parts

Nov 10, 2007 | 01:25 PM

350steve

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From: bricktown NJ

Just like anything else If they made them to last forever,than they would'nt sell replacement parts.

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Nov 10, 2007 | 02:08 PM

350steve

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From: bricktown NJ

Once you replace the stock ones.Install new ones with grease fittings and there last you a lot longer.

Nov 10, 2007 | 02:42 PM

#10

kottondog

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factory bottom ones did have greese fittings. Used to greese them every 10 k. Maybe weekly now. You can buy a lot of greese for 938 bucks!!

Nov 10, 2007 | 03:59 PM

#11

RogueSpear2023

Elder User

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 936

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From: Carlos, MN

My factory ones were greaseless they went at 70K. Why is that these companies always think they have this great greaseless technology that will last forever, or at least a long time, they never to do. Any part that moves that can't have the fluid changed or be greased is going fail. It's a common problem, but it's much better than a new tranny every 35K like dodge.