replacing ball joints
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 1
From: Elkhorn, WI
replacing ball joints
i have a 1996 f350 4x4 and i need new ball joints. i dont feel like playing tbe $400+ in labor that shops charge. just wondering how big of a job it is are there any special tools i need or any advice would be great. is there a detailed writeup somewhere?
thanks
thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,010
Likes: 5
From: Johnson City, TN.
I just did the ball joints this weekend on my F-350 axle.
It was not a bad job at all but my axle is out of the truck. Still not bad.
I went to Advance and got their big kit. It was about $155 plus tax. You can use it then return it for a full refund.
A big hammer is a handy tool to have. Also a set of blunt end punches, preferably long so you can beat in the top joint first. A big vise is also handy.
Also put the new ball joints in the freezer for a while before you install them. I stuck mine in there and let them sit for a few days.
When you are re installing them it is easiest to reinstall the top one first, that way you can beat it in instead of using the press.
If you are near here just stop by, I will help you. I still have the kit.
It was not a bad job at all but my axle is out of the truck. Still not bad.
I went to Advance and got their big kit. It was about $155 plus tax. You can use it then return it for a full refund.
A big hammer is a handy tool to have. Also a set of blunt end punches, preferably long so you can beat in the top joint first. A big vise is also handy.
Also put the new ball joints in the freezer for a while before you install them. I stuck mine in there and let them sit for a few days.
When you are re installing them it is easiest to reinstall the top one first, that way you can beat it in instead of using the press.
If you are near here just stop by, I will help you. I still have the kit.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 1
From: Elkhorn, WI
thanks for the offer! i live near milwaukee.i found a detailed writeup that someone did on a superduty and im assuming they are the same since they are both straight axles. i am a machinist and we have a big hydraulic press at work so that should meake it a little easier. i heard the axle seal is really easy to damage when installing though. did you need a special tool? this is the writeup i found. is this what you had to do on yours? this writeup is from a 99+ superduty 4x4
TheDieselStop.Com - www.thedieselstop.com
thanks for the help
TheDieselStop.Com - www.thedieselstop.com
thanks for the help
