Are my '96 XLT Ball Joints bad?

[Ozonkiller]

My '96 4WD front end has this low pitch squeak that has been getting worse over the last 10K mi. or so. I've just rolled over 100K miles. I'm assuming that it is the ball joints since Ford, in their infinite wisdom, didn't put a single zerk fitting on this whole truck, OK, I feel better but I don't detect any play in any of the joints. Before I replace them is there any thing else that I should check? I see nothing obvious any where else. Looking around I see Moog is the part of choice, or should I consider any of the after market "trick" parts suppliers? I use this truck mostly as a "Boulevard Cruiser" with the occasional trek up to the snow country or down that interesting looking fire road.
I will also add that I have a pretty extensive shop with machining capabilities. Once I have all of my options sorted out (parts available when I screw this up) I will see if it's possible to install Zerks. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks, Tom

 

[Jason_25]

Yes probably one of the ball joints. If you have good ears you can get under the truck and have someone shake it to isolate the squeaking joint. The uppers are pretty easy, but you have to get an alignment if you change one. For the lowers you need a ball joint press to press the new ball joint into the lower control arm. it also requires removing the torsion bar because it runs into the lower control arm. And yes get MOOG.

 

[Ozonkiller]

Thanks for your quick reply. I'd rather get a root canal than lay under a vehicle, so I'll probably do all 4 just to get it over with. Thanks again.

Tom

 

[PghBill]

Ball Joints

I had the same problem. Check this thread for symptoms and compare:

Dead Link Removed

 

[Ozonkiller]

Yep, sounds like the exact same symptoms. That's another vote for the ball joints so I went ahead and used one of those hypodermic needles that is attached to a grease gun and pierced the boots of all 4 ball joints and pumped them full of grease. (I hate to use those things but I'm gonna replace em anyway) I cranked the steering lock to lock a couple of times and took it for a drive. With in half a mile everything quieted right down.

Thanks for your help guys. My worse nightmare was to replace those things and still have that racket.

Thanks again,

Tom