97 Explorer -- Which Ball Joint Size/Diameter

[mbruffey]

I see two different diameter ball joints for the 1997 Explorer AWD 5.0. One, I assume, is "regular." The other is described as "oversized." Assuming I have the original control arms, which size do I need? I will probably get MOOG. Just checking. Thanks. LMB

 

[BK_89iX]

I installed the regular Moog on my '97 SOHC 4x4 just this week, replacing the original Ford pieces, and they fit perfectly - nice and tight.

BK

 

[mbruffey]

(1) Was that part MOOG K8695T for the bottom?
(2) Can the top be replaced (just the ball joint). The shop is calling for the top driver's side to be done, but not the passenger's. Thx, LMB

 

[BK_89iX]

(1) Was that part MOOG K8695T for the bottom?
(2) Can the top be replaced (just the ball joint). The shop is calling for the top driver's side to be done, but not the passenger's. Thx, LMB

(1) Just checked my rockauto invoice from 2008 - Yes, that is the part # for the bj I used.

(2) The ford upper CA do NOT have a bj that can be replaced. The moog upper CA however has a replaceable bj.

If it was my vehicle I would do both uppers since you'll need a fresh alignment afterwards and the other side cannot be far behind. I went from the 2-piece to the 1-piece passenger side upper CA + adjustable camber bolts on both sides. Think about tie-rod ends for good measure.

BK

 

[mbruffey]

Thanks BK. The shop says upper right okay. They want $1100 to do the left upper and both lowers. Yikes! I already ordered the MOOG parts. Cheapest place? Amazon! Uh huh.

Does anyone know if the Harbor freight 4-wheel-drive kit has the correct parts to press on the new lowers? I have read people complaining the Astro Pneumatic 7897, which I suppose is the same MFG as HF can't do the new lowers. That's unbelievable, given all the parts in the AP kit. The next cheapest thing is OTC base kit plus Ford Adapter Updates totaling about $125 w/shipping. I know OTC will work. HF is out of stock on the 4-wheel kit, locally, BTW. Thx, Mark

 

[96eb96]

Thanks BK. The shop says upper right okay. They want $1100 to do the left upper and both lowers. Yikes! I already ordered the MOOG parts. Cheapest place? Amazon! Uh huh.

Does anyone know if the Harbor freight 4-wheel-drive kit has the correct parts to press on the new lowers? I have read people complaining the Astro Pneumatic 7897, which I suppose is the same MFG as HF can't do the new lowers. That's unbelievable, given all the parts in the AP kit. The next cheapest thing is OTC base kit plus Ford Adapter Updates totaling about $125 w/shipping. I know OTC will work. HF is out of stock on the 4-wheel kit, locally, BTW. Thx, Mark

http://www.import-car.com/Article/6...ll_joint_removal_and_installation_issues.aspx

Don't forget searching the web for HF 20% off printable coupons!

 

[scucci]

HF 20% off coupon:
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayPage.do?pageFile=magurl5.html

 

[mbruffey]

96eb96: Thx for the link. I did not order the oversized bottom joint, but this is the first time for replacement. Care, I hope, will help avoid the need for an oversized application. The removal tool looks nice, too: $115 at rockauto. If I can snag the HF kit, I think there's an adapter in the add-on box that looks like it might just work (for the re-install). I'm not too worried about the removal--patience, PB Blaster (or Seafoam penetrant). I have heard freezing the new parts makes installation a snap, too. WHo knows, may not even need the tool!

Does HF actually accept those printouts. They actually appear in "real" print magazines, so I would be surprised if they take a b&w printout in the store. Not saying thay won't--just surprised, that's all. Thanks again, LMB

 

[mbruffey]

Duh. I am reading the fine print on the coupon that says it cannot be reproduced by printout. Then I look at the link scucci indicated, and it says "Click here to print coupon"! I give up! I'll try it; Ill try it! Thx again. LMB

 

[96eb96]

96eb96: Thx for the link. I did not order the oversized bottom joint, but this is the first time for replacement. Care, I hope, will help avoid the need for an oversized application. The removal tool looks nice, too: $115 at rockauto. If I can snag the HF kit, I think there's an adapter in the add-on box that looks like it might just work (for the re-install). I'm not too worried about the removal--patience, PB Blaster (or Seafoam penetrant). I have heard freezing the new parts makes installation a snap, too. WHo knows, may not even need the tool!

Does HF actually accept those printouts. They actually appear in "real" print magazines, so I would be surprised if they take a b&w printout in the store. Not saying thay won't--just surprised, that's all. Thanks again, LMB

HF will take them.
I've even used them in home depot in lowes, some stores will accept them as a competitor match. Can't hurt to try!

 

[96eb96]

Also, do you live near an advance auto? They rent this complete set:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...ALUE3-_-VALUE4&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=9150043

At least they do here! You may have to visit a few stores.

 

[scucci]

Duh. I am reading the fine print on the coupon that says it cannot be reproduced by printout. Then I look at the link scucci indicated, and it says "Click here to print coupon"! I give up! I'll try it; Ill try it! Thx again. LMB

Yes harbor freight takes them. I have used them constantly the last couple of months.

 

[mbruffey]

I just bought this kit on ebay. I looks a LOT like the OTC kit sold by Grainger, plus the Ford 4WD Update Kit. The box number is an OTC number if you look closely. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320518681556&viewitem=
LMB

 

[BK_89iX]

I just bought this kit on ebay. I looks a LOT like the OTC kit sold by Grainger, plus the Ford 4WD Update Kit. The box number is an OTC number if you look closely. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320518681556&viewitem=
LMB

Yep, looks exactly like my OTC kit. That's a great price! You still may need to pound out the old bj, but the install will be a breeze.

BK

 

[mbruffey]

OOPS! Warning! The item I recvd was Harbor Freight ( HF ), not OTC-like !! Not as pictured. Seller has responded rapidly to my emails, however. Claims he took pic a while back, but he indicates he will send me a return authorization. Maybe HF was actually selling the OTC kit generically at one point. Who knows. I can get the OTC kit and adapter for about $125 locally. Should have gone there first, I suppose. I just hope nobody else here ordered based on the pic/link. LMB