2000 explorer lower ball joints

[N_tater]

Took it in to les schwab for an alignment and they said I needed new ball joints first and quoted me 600. After finding parts online for ball joints all the way around and to buy the tools I didnt already have ill be in around 200 bucks. And especially after researching how to do it myself by watching youtube videos and talking to some buddies I decided I would have to be a fool to pay somebody 3 times that to do something I Could do myself. The only hiccup that ive come across so far is that when I look at lower ball joints i see some that are 1.9" and some 2.0" and I'm wondering if there's anyway I can find out what they are before actually pulling them and physically measuring them. Another thing that has stumped on the lower ball joints is some say that they won't fit OE arm. What does that mean? Thank you for taking the time to help me out, much appreciated.

 

[XLTrunner]

Only $600, huh? There was a recent thread where someone had paid $1300 for this work!

Seriously, though...you can do this. What you need to know is that you'll have to buy the upper control arms that come complete with ball joints. The lower ball joints can be replaced without replacing the control arm. And, may I suggest you not buy cheap parts as you'll not want to chance doing this all over again in 6 mos to a year. I recommend you go with Moog Problem Solvers (K8695T Lowers and required Upper arms/balljoints) and be done with it. Rockauto or Amazon are your friends, here.

 

[N_tater]

If I remember right it was for one upper on one side and lower on the other side. But if I'm gonna dig into her why not go all the way around huh? Ha. What do you know about buying 1.9" or 2.0" lower ball joints? Cause on some that ive come across the size isnt even in the description. Thank you much appreciated.

 

[swshawaii]

As XLTrunner mentioned, original equipment (OE) upper control arm ball joints cannot be replaced separately, lowers can be. 1.9' and 2" upper ball joint measurement pertains to uppers only. There are slightly over sized lower replacements if the ball joint hole is worn and loose fitting. Oversized "usually" not needed unless the LCA ball joint has been replaced more than twice in the original lower control arm.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...l+v6+sohc,1362440,suspension,ball+joint,10070

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[N_tater]

As XLTrunner mentioned, original equipment (OE) upper control arm ball joints cannot be replaced separately, lowers can be. 1.9' and 2" upper ball joint measurement pertains to uppers only. There are slightly over sized
lower replacements if the ball joint hole is worn and loose fitting. Oversized "usually" not needed unless the LCA
ball joint has been replaced more than twice in the original lower control arm.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...l+v6+sohc,1362440,suspension,ball+joint,10070

List of Useful Threads - Stock 2nd Gen Forum's Best Threads | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

That totally slipped my mind thank you. I didnt even realize those were upper ball joints I was looking at. I dont believe the lowers have been changed more than once if at all. How would I know if I needed an over sized lower? If its tight enough that I need to use a press, should they be tight enough? Thanks alot, I appreciate your time.

 

[XLTrunner]

Oh...so $600 was in the ballpark for two joints vs that of the person who spent $1300 for 4 ball joints and presumably, an alignment. Crazy....

You would be well advised to do all four at one time as long as you're in there. As mentioned, I'd advise you go with Moog K8695T (Lowers) and CK8708T (Left Upper) and corresponding Upper for Right side based on whether you have the 1-piece or 2-piece arm. I doubt you need to worry about oversized lower joints.

 

[swshawaii]

VERY unlikely you need oversize. I only recall one instance on EF they were needed. Go with the standard diameter Moog K8695T that has redesigned and much improved ball joint boots. IMO, Moog's greatest weakness was always their rubber ball joint boots that ruptured and leaked long before the ball joint wore out. Moog's new design can hardly be called a boot. LOL

http://www.moogparts.com/pdf/problemsolver/english/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_29009_K8695T006_En.pdf

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=203594&cc=1362440

 

[N_tater]

You guys have helped take a lot of the doubt away that i had about ordering parts. I'm confident to say Im about to place my order on rock auto and gonna go for the moogs. Thanks again much appreciated.

 

[swshawaii]

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