2WD balljoint replacement - instructions?
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 533
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From: Simpsonville, SC
2WD balljoint replacement - instructions?
Hey guys,
During my differential saga at the dealer, they informed me that I need new balljoints on the driver's side. I thought "no problem, I can do that myself, how hard can that be."
Well really hard given that my stupid Haynes manual says absolutely nothing on the subject. Actually it does, but it says something like "at the time of this writing the balljoints are not known to be replaceable." Boy that's a crock.
Anyway, is there another manual that tells me how to do this, or a write-up on the web maybe?
Thanks!
Mark
During my differential saga at the dealer, they informed me that I need new balljoints on the driver's side. I thought "no problem, I can do that myself, how hard can that be."
Well really hard given that my stupid Haynes manual says absolutely nothing on the subject. Actually it does, but it says something like "at the time of this writing the balljoints are not known to be replaceable." Boy that's a crock.
Anyway, is there another manual that tells me how to do this, or a write-up on the web maybe?
Thanks!
Mark
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Don't forget you'll need a lot of cuss words during the change. You can ditch the Haynes manual. We've got links to the Ford Service Manual if you never got one of those on cd. Click on these links and bookmark them.
2000 Workshop Manual
2000 PC /ED Manual
2000 Workshop Manual
2000 PC /ED Manual
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Look under Group 4 Suspension
SECTION 204-01A: Front Suspension — 4x2
On the left side, scroll down to the heading Removal and Installation. The second item on the list is Ball Joint.
See if that helps you. Most of the auto parts stores will loan / rent you a ball joint press if you buy the ball joints from them.
SECTION 204-01A: Front Suspension — 4x2
On the left side, scroll down to the heading Removal and Installation. The second item on the list is Ball Joint.
See if that helps you. Most of the auto parts stores will loan / rent you a ball joint press if you buy the ball joints from them.
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 23
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I changed the balljoints on my 2wd about 6 months ago and it was no problem at all. I had the help of an friend that who is a professional mechanic and it only took about 2 hours to do both sides. If I remember correctly all you have to do is remove the tire, remove the caliper, remove ball joint nuts and drop the spindle, then press out the lower and upper. There is also a shim around the upper that must be removed by loosening the horizontal bolt on the axle C. All in all, it was not as bad as I thought it would be.
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
Depending on the tire size you're running or plan to run, this is a good time to install an adjustable caster bushing for improved flexibility on future alignments.
Also, make sure to re-install serviceable ball joints, like Moog. I still have one side to do myself after paying a shop to do the passenger side in a crunch for me earlier this year. The shop did a fine job, but doing it myself can save me several hundred dollars.
Also, make sure to re-install serviceable ball joints, like Moog. I still have one side to do myself after paying a shop to do the passenger side in a crunch for me earlier this year. The shop did a fine job, but doing it myself can save me several hundred dollars.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
Don't feel bad. I missed it at first too, and thought that can't be right. I saw it the second time through. That manual reads like stereo instructions, but you get used to it after a while.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 533
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From: Simpsonville, SC
Hey guys, I took the chance and went for it last weekend. It was relatively easy getting to where I had the knuckle off but got a bit more difficult after that. I rented a balljoint press but they were really tough going in - used the impact wrench to "persuade" it. On top of that the spacers that were in the kit didn't work right so I had to rig something. But I'd do it again, knowing what I know. And I used moog serviceable joints too.
Thanks!
Thanks!
