02 Ford Explorer 2/wd 4/door ball joints

[junkhead]

Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 2/wheel drive 4/door 40.5L auto trans THere seems to alot of opininos on this topic. So here goes.

Has any one replaced the front uuper ball joints by pressing them with press tool?

Most Auto parts stores here tell they dont sell or can get uuper a arms for this modile. However ther all have replacement ball joints.

Some people on forums say that the bj can be pressed out if it has the more flat sheet metal type arm, and that tubular arms like on the sport and aport trac most be replaced.

I have been online for a hours and even alot of the parts and part numbers that they would work, but dont look like they would...ugh..
Please, the powers that be who know more them.....shoot me some advice.
Thanks, junkhead

 

[Four0Sport]

i know on some years the pass side has a seperate ball joint with bracket that bolts to the upper control arm.. but the drivers side im pretty sure is only sold as the entire upper arm.

 

[fordbluefamily]

Its not worth it even if you could. Seriously. That upper control arm is a stamped steel sheet on every 3rd gen 4 door ive seen. Designed to be replaced. Also, by the time your ball joints wear out, the rubber on that upper arm probably needs replaced too, so the one piece arm covers all that, and quickly too.