Ball joints

[Toms01PSD]

I remember Johnny saying something about his going at 20,000 miles...

 

[backroad101]

Is yours a model where, on the uppers, you need to replace the whole control arm? If so, $500 seems a little low for a shop to replace the upper control arms and the lower ball joints. I was quoted $1000 at most places in St Louis.

If you are replacing just 4 balljoints and no control arms, then $500 is prob about right.

I had one lower ball joint replaced by a shop and it cost $275 with alignment. I'm guessing, while it was apart, if they needed to replace the upper balljoint (without replacing the control arm) it would not have been too much more (just the cost of the part). I basically shopped around and went with the shop that had the least upcharge on the part (some were kinda ridiculous)

This summer I plan on replacing the upper control arms myself, then taking it to the same shop, have them do the other lower and align it. I am not comfortable taking apart what needs to be removed to do the lowers. The uppers seem to be 3 bolts off, 3 bolts on.

 

[milje]

I remember Johnny saying something about his going at 20,000 miles...

Brought my 2005 in at 35,000 miles to get it checked over before warranty was up, got new balljoints and front brakes.

 

[caser876]

If 500 is the price for parts and labor-thats a very good price for all 4. If you have the tools its really not that hard to do-more of just the mental aspect of the newer suspension scares people out of doing it. Pull the caliper bracket with caliper still on, remove rotor, take off the axle nut and push it in a little so it easily moves for when you take off the knuckle, remove the tie rod and ball joint nuts, beat off the knuckle(nicely), and get to changin out the joints. Put it together backwards of how it came apart. You just need to get it aligned after. I had mine done and back on the ground in about an hour for just lowers, both sides. But then again i work at ford dealership and had the truck on a lift with every tool i could need. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, then it really is better to get it done someplace-especially because what you'd be takin apart is what keeps the truck on its feet. One more thing, go with motorcraft or another top line part. It will be cheaper in the long run and they are a much better part.