Hey guys, im looking at a 2000 f-150 regular cab step side with the 4.6, the dealership said it needs a new tie rod end and ball joints, my mom seems to think that because these need to be replaced the truck is a peice of **** and will keep breaking down on me. What do you guys think and can you give me an estimate of how much it would cost to repair?
Thanks alot!!!

 

Where I work, they tie rod and ball joints would have been replaced during recon and figured into the selling price...

it is a common repair on the 97-03 trucks

how many miles on the truck and whats the asking price?

 

there is 116196 miles on it and they are asking $7300.

 

Like what was mentioned, it is a common wear item on you're truck mainly because they can't be greased. The factory didn't use any grease fittings on them, so they incur more wear then normal. The dealer probably won't be you're cheapest estimate.

 

make sure you get an alignment after repairs

im not up on pricing, but it doesnt sound too far off

 

Kbb.com kelly blue book in my area says $7200 if in excellent condition

I would offer them $6200 and see what happens

if you can get $500 to $600 off the price it should more than cover the repairs

 

I replaced the upper and lower ball joints and the tie rods (both inner and outer) on my 1999 F-150 last fall. I did it myself and it took 1 full day. There is a great article to walk you through the ball joint replacement (How To Replace 1997-2003 F150 Ball Joints .: Articles).

You will need a ball joint tool. You can rent it for free at AutoZone.

New replacement ball joints have grease fittings so they should last longer. My truck has 103K on it and with the new ball joints and tie rods I plan on another 100K!

 

I paid 4,800 for my 97 of the same model with 150,000 miles on it, and I am completely satisfied with it. I had to replace my ball joints but thats expected with higher milage. Only advice is use motorcraft ball joints, their $45 a peice, which is only 5 more than the best auto part stores brand. I tried them and had to replace them again in a month. The motorcraft are doing great. I also heard good things about moog, but have not tried them. If thats all that is wrong with it, Id say go for it. Your going to have to replace these parts on any vehicle eventualy.

 

I used Moog when I replaced mine at 70k..now at 103k and problem free...

I had a lift and all the right tools and it took 45 minutes each side...

and another 30 minutes for a 4 wheel alignment ( a little trouble compensating for the leveling kit)

 

Ok thanks alot for all your great info guys!!! I ll let ya know how everything goes!

 

I would beat them down on the price to $6800.00 with them repairing the truck at no charge. Trucks are a buyers market and that truck won't be going anywhere fast.

vanman250

 

I bought my 98 F150 2WD with 100,000 kms from a Ford Dealer 3 and 1/2 years ago. They replaced the upper control arm and ball joint, put in new tyrods, and new alternator and I offered less than the asking price. I had the front suspension checked out by another auto shop shortly after I purchased and they said everything was tight.

I just replaced my lower ball joints and decided to do the control arms and upper ball joints at the same time (I am at 200,000 kms now). The lower ball joint on the passanger side was making a squeaking noise. It was pretty loose and had alot of play. The upper ball joint had slight play. The driver's side lower ball joints had slight play and the upper ball joint was tight. It must be due to the salt/water in the winter hitting the passenger side more than the driver side. My tyrods are fine, tight . The new lower ball joints have grease fittings and my upper control arms and ball joints have lifetime warranty so I should be fine till the truck dies or I sell it. $400 total in parts, a can of WD40 and 5 hrs to do the job ($260 for the uppers and $130 for the lowers and $10 for the pliers and rented the ball joint tool from Canadian tire for free). I took it for a drive and the front is very tight now.

I had no other problems with the truck other than replacing the upper and lower intake manifold gasket when I notice coolant going into my engine at around 150,000 kms.

It's not just Fords but any vehicle with dry lower ball joints (no grease fittings) have problems between 100,000 and 200,000 kms. I was in my brothers Dodge van when his passenger side snapped off at 80kms/hr while we were towing a boat. Luckily he was able to steer the van using the driver's side wheel and get to the shoulder. Trust me, you don't want to be in the vehicle when they snap off.