Wow shoulda seen this earlier

[chief_bignut]

well i went and had a 40 series flowmaster put on today at my buddys shop (awesome deal on everything) and i when i got home i was taking some quick pics of it before heading out back to start the bbq pit up and well i got under the truck and noticed the damn ball joints they look like crap and about to fall apart well anyway i decided to go out and get the parts and called my buddy upa nd he said bring it over first thing in the morning we'll knock that chit out for you before it becomes a bigger problem than it is. is this the reason for my squeaking on every single bump or dip?? here the pics

 

[robertoa1a]

That aint pretty, but new shocks usually cure my squeeky Ex's. You might need bouth.

 

[chief_bignut]

i just had new monroe reflex shocks put in about 3 months ago

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

that no good did u get single or dual flowmaster and i got bad ball joints as well on my 01 sport

 

[robertoa1a]

Yeah If they haven't gone completly out yet I would change them. I hate a squeeky suspension on a nice truck.

My Ex had new upper and lower ball joints when I bought it so I just replaced the shocks. Man what a difference! I still have some minor squeeks. My wifes ball joints look like yours with a bad boot and its a matter of time till sand and the elements get to it. I'm going to rig the boot on hers and grease it real good till it wears out. I wan't a whole day free to do hers.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

mine squeak like no tommorrow

 

[Cobraguy]

Well, the boots are bad...not necessarily the joint. But with the history these things have with lower ball joints, it's probably a safe bet.

 

[chief_bignut]

that no good did u get single or dual flowmaster and i got bad ball joints as well on my 01 sport

single ill get pictures later today

 

[TheJackal]

Ball Joints

yeah... that's what mine look like. When I noticed it I was originally going to take care of it myself but I'd get it covered if I take it somewhere. The joints were still good; they did an alignment and it was holding properly.

I wished they would've changed them anyway then, tho, because I don't have the time now until the spring break to do it. Something in the LF wheel area is squeaking, don't know if it's the joint or something else, I've got to get the wheel off this weekend to find out.

 

[robertoa1a]

Lets face it though. It's a true truck suspension with 10+ years of honerable duty. A honda accord suspension might be a little quieter on hard terain. To take care some of the minor squeeks I might crawl under there with a can of penitrating oil and a greese gun and go to town. Maybe power wash some of those bushings too.

I could buy a new car but how much fun is paying for that.

 

[williams.cory]

mine squeak like no tommorrow

LMAO! Mine squeaks SO BAD it aweful! Samething as yours, but mine squeaks like theres no this afternoon! lol

 

[96eb96]

If you want to know if its bad to the point of danger, set the parking brake, chock the wheels, and put a jackstand under the lower control arm (weight must rest on the LCA- there is a lifting tab in the front for this purpose) and shake the tire at the 12 and 6 oclock positions watching the ball joint. I dont suggest a jack for support because your hand will be at the bottom of the tire, maybe both a jackstand and a jack!

If you have anything more than negligible radial movement(1/32" to be exact), I suggest doing the Lower Balls ASAP! This checks the upper balls too.

This is the factory procedure BTW, up and down movement (according to ford) is not to be tested.

If your balls have ripped boots and they check out ok, and you dont want to replace, the redneck procedure is to put as much grease into them as you can. This will stave off some corrosion. They should be replaced soon though..and checked often.