Ball Joint Replacement?

[CougarX]

My Pasenger side lower ball joint needs replaced. The local garage wants $280 to do this($70 parts, $190 labor, $40 align). In light of this, I'm going to try to tackle it myself. The Haynes manual says that special tools are required to do this (A C-clamp type frame and 3 different size recieving and replacing cups). Can this job be done with with a regulaer C-clamp and some sockets or should I go ahead and buy the tools and do it right?
Thanks in advance.

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Brad Bottoms
92 XLT 4x4
My Philosophy is "Bigger is ALWAYS Better"

 

[TNExplorer]

I have replaced hundreds of ball joints over the years and never used a C-clamp. Just take your time and remember the way it comes apart and put it back the same way in reverse order. A press does make the job easy but it can be done without it. A good vise and something you can use to drive the joint out of the kunckle and snap ring pliers should be all that you need. Also since you are there check the joints in the axle and go on and replace the upper ball joint check wheel bearings and the small bearing in the spindle.
Good Luck. Just take your time and do it right it is not a very hard job.
P.S. You will need to have the truck aligned.

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Lance Humphreys
1993 Eddie Bauer
Front Dana 44 solid axle swap
8" lift

 

[CougarX]

Thanks for the info. I'll start this next Fri. (so I have 3 days, just in case). Is there any difference in ball joints or will any brand do?

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Brad Bottoms
92 XLT 4x4
My Philosophy is "Bigger is ALWAYS Better"

 

[01EB5.0]

Let me know how hard it was. i have to do my upper passanger ball joint and from talking heard it was tough and I should just have a garage do it. Let me know your findings so I can make a disicion. Thanks

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TravisN1@AOL.COM
1995 XLT 4x4

 

[TNExplorer]

95XLT,
The ball joint replacement on your truck will be different than the replacement on CougarX's truck. The two suspensions are different. CougarX's truck has the TTB suspension and the kunckles are connected to each axle housing. There is no spring load on the spindle/kunckle. Yours has the A-frame suspension with torsion bars (The Springs) connected to the lower A-frame. You will need to turn the torsion bar adjusters to let the pressure off of the lower A-frame and then remove the spindles/kunckles. Then the replacement of the ball joint is much the same as CougarX's.
Hope This Helps
You can do it just take your time.
I don't believe in repair shops.

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Lance Humphreys
1993 Eddie Bauer
Front Dana 44 solid axle swap
8" lift

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

I have the same problem but it's on the driver's side lower. What are the consequences of not replacing this right away? Also, if you use a large c-clamp, is it possible to do it without removing or adjusting the upper ball joint?

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93XLT-5.5" Super Runner, Super Runner Steering, 1.5" Body lift,33x12.5,
Borla exhaust,KKM air filter

 

[Andy97XLT]

Stupid question:
How do you know if you ball joints need replacing?


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Happy Wheelin,

Andy Statland
'97 XLT 4.0L OHC 4Dr 4x4
Warrior Twist in the works

 

[DOGMAN]

Andy,

The easiest way I know of is to raise the vehicle by the front axle so the front wheels are off the ground, like it would be on an alignment rack. Then grab the top and bottom of the tire and and try to push and pull it. If you have a worn ball joint, there will be some play when you try to move the tire. If you take it to an alignment shop, they can check it out and show you how to do it in person, it shouldn't cost you anything. Then in the future you can check it yourself.

If one is worn, I would would replace both the upper and lower on the same side, since you already have everything apart.

Mac,

I ran a worn ball joint for about 8 months -- didn't hurt anything, the steering was just a little loose. It's certainly not going to help anything. Mine was moderately worn. If it is severe, I'd replace it ASAP.

I see you are using a 1.5" body lift with your Superlift 5.5". What brand is it? Was it hard to install? Are you totally satified with it? Did you have to use a steering or shifter extension? Also, what brand tire are you running? Thanks in advance for your comments.

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DOGMAN
91 4dr 5sp
5.5" Superlift
"Downhill is just uphill in the opposite direction"

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

The body lift is a 3" performance acceroies kit which I modified by cutting the 3" lift blocks in half with a hacksaw. This way I was able to retain the Steering extender, and eliminate the normal steering bind caused by the full length of the lift. You will also have to go to a machine shop and order new bolts.

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93XLT-5.5" Super Runner, Super Runner Steering, 1.5" Body lift,33x12.5,
Borla exhaust,KKM air filter, Warn HS9500i winch, Sony deck & 10 disk CD changer w/ 12" sub.