2004 Explorer rear upper ball joint removal/replacement

[proradvlx]

? Has anyone had any success in removing and installing the rear upper ball joint? I have a press kit, but I cannot find any combination of the spacers that work. It seems there is just nothing on the bottom side of the ball joint to press against. Or, just replace the entire control arm, with a new ball joint in place. Have seen new control arms from $70-$100, so not as inexpensive as just doing the ball joint...... but is that the way Ford designed it, just replace the entire control arm? Thanks !!!

 

[J_C]

Is the rear wheel alignment done (in part) by adjusting the upper control arm? If so, then replacing them will mean that you need the alignment done too. Just the BJs, not so much. I do see rear camber kits available but don't know where they are located on the suspension.

I took a look at the rear upper BJ on rock auto, and the upper control arm.

It looks like you need to remove the clip holding it against the control arm, then remove the clips on the boot to remove the boot, to get to the top/stud side to press it out.

If you don't have a sufficient depth and diameter spacer, you might see if you can find a piece of pipe that will work or get a loaner BJ press kit at one of the auto parts stores. The larger sets have more sizes in them, of course. There might even be some size of deep well impact socket that works... IDK.

There might be a youtube video. Here's one for the (front?) upper with a similar looking BJ, where the tech also advises to cut the stud off ... (if you don't have clearance without doing so):