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Another Ball Joint Question

Trainmstr

Member
Joined
September 2, 2003
Messages
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City, State
Winter Springs, FL
Year, Model & Trim Level
96 XLT
Seems to be three (3) brands of ball joints available for Explorers: Ford, TRW, and McQuay-Norris. Which are the most popular and/or best?
Thanks for any responses.
 



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Get MOOG brand. Carquest carries them I know. If you can't find them locally, get them online. They are greaseable and the uppers are an improved design that will increase suspension travel with the right length shock.
 






how much do they cost jason?
 






I got them online for around $40 each for the lowers and around $130 each for the upper control arm assemblies. Bushing kits are extra.
 






Two questions:
On second gens(96),

1) The upper ball joint has to be replaced with the control arm at the same time, right?

2) The lower ball joints can be replaced without having to replace the lower control arm?

Thanks in advance.
 






Originally posted by muncheese
Two questions:
On second gens(96),

1) The upper ball joint has to be replaced with the control arm at the same time, right?

2) The lower ball joints can be replaced without having to replace the lower control arm?

Thanks in advance.
Exactly! The upper ball joint is built into the upper arm. The lower ball joint can be removed and replaced by itself.
 






Until the second time you have to replace your upper ball joints. At that time, if you have Moog upper control arms, you will then only need a new ball joint. The Ford OEM upper ball joints must be replaced with the control arm though.
 






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