well the time has come when i need to replace the ball joints...
the frount looks kind like this / \

so i picked up all 4 ball joints from the local parts store and was wondering if there where any tips that i should know of befor i start riping in to this

i have a 92 f250 4x4

 

you know, when i was at the tire store last time they say no problems with the ball joints and said all was well, even got it computer aligned rather easily. I am hearing and feeling some thumps when turning at low idle roll but nothing else. I would say i need to replace the ujoints in them as they are sealed and no zert fittings. When you go through all of this bro can you keep this thread updated? I would like to see if this is something i want to tackle. I said this about my transfer case too but got that nailed. Best luck bro and i know there are a few fellas on here with some good specs/schematics. Thanks!!

 

If it was my time for that job I would remember the ear plugs as that forked impact wrench goes after the first one. LOL Seriously, that is my least favorite job, it happens about every 120K. Grease, pack and check everything from the hubs on in. Good luck.

 

1 thing I learned doing them on my SD E350 is that the biggest " pickle fork " that most parts stores have is too small.
You need to get a big one and then make sure it is big enough before you take the truck apart.

You can do it much faster with help and you should check every thing and replace any worn parts while it is apart.

Hope this helps, keep us posted.

 

I usually cut them out with a torch and press in the new ones with one of these: press does both ball joints and can be used for u-joints too.

 

all have have to say is i love my snap on ball joint press, i broke another cheaper on twice then i spent the 600 on a good one and it makes a world of difference. if you can borrow a press it makes it alot easier in my oppinion, also picke fork, good heavy hammer, and a chisle to start to separate the spindle if you live where they salt the roads like me. our trucks arn't to bad. newer dodge's are a nightmare sometimes

 

I have a noise coming from the front end of my truck, sounds like the DS u-joint. I really dont wana get into it though, never been into a 4x4 front end before, always done my best to avoid it. Would it be a do-able day dob for a first timer by themself? I have a d60 in the front instead of the ttb50.


Scott

 

ball joints have to be done next weekend cant have the truck in picese this weekend sister smashed up her car so my back up car is being driven by her
fun first snow fall in Wi

 

My bet is ball joints will change nothing with the / \ look.

Change the front spring front shackles.
I know, the bottom bushing you can see looks fine.
When I changed mine, the upper bushing inside the frame was gone, the bolt was worn 1/2 way through and there were also wear notches in the side plates.

PS the IFS axle will have a slight / \ look when driven straight forward and stopped at all times.
If you do get them both straight up and down you will be at the limit of the caster camber adjustments for front end alignment.

If you go passed vertical to the \ / look, good alignment is out of the question.

 

if it is a drive shaft u joint, i have swapped those out in 15 minutes for both. For mine it is merely undoing the bolts on both sides and putting the new one in. I as well have a D60. Start your own thread and you will get a lot more replies, and be a lot more descriptive on this sound. Is it low speed, high speed, turning?

 

We got a beater 85 f250 4x4 a couple weeks ago and were idiots not to check underneath the truck in the dark when we got it. And we trusted a guys word.

Get it home and just a 5 minute look underneath the truck without it jacked up showed me, a non mechanic, that all the ball joints and ujoints have to be replaced As well as the suspension bushings.

If you shop around it doesn't have to be that expensive, but it sucks for me in that I think I should have got another $200 off the asking price

Anyways for us when the time comes I have a guide ready, and will rent the tools from either kragen or autozone. Having the proper tools, a guide, and having room to work I think is what will make the job doable in the end.

You can get awesome help here by searching, and watch some youtube videos for the basics.

We are no techies but are going to tackle that job on ours in a couple weeks and I am pretty sure its doable.

And as far as noises, I can tell there are atleast 3 different types going on with our setup depending on if its in 4x4, turning, etc. Just get underneath and hold a hand on each end and start rocking and spinning the pieces.

The ball joints shouldn't be collapsed or really easy to move with play. The ujoints should be tight, when you spin them on each other if it goes clunk clunk or there is any play they are done. We have splits in multiple bearing caps in our setup as well. I am surprised the truck lasted as long as it did.

 

The hardest thing about axle bearing replacement is getting the hubs apart.
The axles slide out after everything is removed.

Goes something like wheel off.
Remove brake caliper
Remove locking hub
Remove hub
Remove spindle
Remove axle

If you are doing ball joints, now is the time.

Also if you are doing ball joints, since everything is already apart, replace the U joints while they are out.

The inner joint on the passenger side of the IFS is a bit harder, you have to open the punkin to take a clip off the inner axle.
But you will replace the outer joints 4 or 5 times before you need to replace the inner one.