ball joint question

[ultraclyde]

Hey guys and gals - I've searched and read the threads about ball joints, but haven't found the answers to a couple of questions. i'm about to do the joints on my wife's 97 5.0 X. Question is, has anybody used the replaceable style lower joints, or do the lower arms ABSOLUTELY have to be replaced with them, as per the manual? also, on the torsion bar adjuster bolts, can a thread locker compund be used instead of replacing with factory adhesive coated bolts?

I want to work out all the details so I can get it set up before i tear it apart.

Thanks

 

[rblais]

You absolutely can replace only the ball joint by pressing out the old and pressing in the new. Don't forget to remove the snap ring before knocking the old ones out. I actually knocked mine out with a hard wrap from a hammer centered on the joint; came right out. I replaced with Moog greasable ball joints. I also used blue lock tite on the torsion bar adjuster bolt with no problems so far ( 9 months/8000 miles). Good luck.

 

[ultraclyde]

That's good news. Now I only have to replace the upper arms, I guess. How did you press the new joint in on the lowers?

 

[etc]

Balljoint press rental from autozone.