are they hard to install? my lower ball joints are worn out super bad. I need to replace them asap but is that something I can do myself or do I have to take it to a mechanic? Im kinda good with basic mechanics

also...should I go ahead and replace my tie rods and wheel bearings? the dust boots are gone and my driver side wheels squeaks when im driving. The rotor has the dust cap missing too

 

Sounds like it's a little more than your capabilities to me.

You need a press and a spring compressor to install the ball joints and they are a real PITA. It's a lot of work.

A missing dust cap is not good. You'll lose all of the bearing grease and can lock up your front wheel (not good when this happens) and can ruin the hub and spindle.

Replacements are available cheap from the Help section at any auto parts store.

 

Damn lol a trip to the mechanic it is then lol thanks for the input

 

why does one need a spring compressor to install ball joints on an ole f150?

 

My bad. You really don't need one now that I think about it.

It was early in the morning when I posted that. It's still a lot of work for most home mechanics.

 

if you can find a buddy that knows how and rent the press from oreilleys you can do it... i couldent tell you the difference between a 350 and a 351 when i did mine... paid a neighbor 100 bucks and he leaped on it... redid balljoints, tie rod ends, shocks, bearings, and sumthin else..... total came to less than 400 including Monroe Sensatrac shocks thanks to my good pal chester (you know who u r!)
and Ben Vasquez, same guy i paid to do the labor sold me those sweet wheels on the back, he has a 67 F100 with a 429 cobra jet.... one serious motor!

 

If you do end up renting a press and doing it yourself you will also need a 24 inch or larger breaker bar. When I did mine I snapped an 18 inch breaker bar while using the press.