Ball joint replacement............

[auscubkelly]

I need a reasonable idea of how hard it is to replace the upper and lower ball joints on a 2001 Sport. I got a quote of $1050 (parts, labor, alignment) to replace the upper and lower ball joints on each side of the vehicle. I have a Chilton repair manual, and am ok when it comes to doing 'beyond basic' maintenance and repair to a vehicle. Will I be biting off more than I can handle saving 500 bucks and doing it myself?

 

[carlover]

i just did this job about 2 months ago. Its really not hard at all. Can be done on about 5 hours total. Just make sure you rent a ball joint press for the lowers, it makes the job so much easier. Most shops charge alot for labor that most of us can do ourselves. Id recommend just buying the parts and doing it. Ill link up a whole writeup on this board for you.

Here you go, step by step detail.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165352

 

[auscubkelly]

THANKS so much....

Im looking at buying the parts at Autozone or Napa...etc. If you could list for me exactly what I need to buy to replace everything necessary without replacing UN-necessary stuff. That would be GREATLY appreciated. I see a lot of different items listed online for my particular vehicle and Im assuming I dont need it all.

 

[carlover]

Whatever you do buy replacement parts that are greasable. They will be a little more but will last alot longer. Go with Moog or i went with Mcquay Norris from napa. if you go to rockauto.com they have great prices on moog parts.

upper control arms both drivers and passanger side.(you cannot replace just the ball joint).
lower ball joints both sides.

while your in the id replace the outer tie rods ends and sway bar endlink bushings. i did all of this and it was a night and day difference in the vehicle.

 

[auscubkelly]

Will Do....THANKS!

The mechanic did recommend getting the greaseable ones, and I agree....

MUCH THANKS!

Kelly

 

[carlover]

Not a problem thats what we are here for. you can always take the money you save because of the advice you get here and become Elite and support this great website. Just something to think about.

 

[brownbagg]

I just got all my parts this week. I got them from Oreilly because I wanted Moog parts. The counter help was too stupid to be working for mickey D so he was at oreillys

parts numbers.

alignment washers 87310, this is hard to find, counter help, helpless

moog bottom joints k8695 t takes two

moog upper right one piece k 80065,

counter help cannot understand they are two ball joints that will work, one pece and two piece

moog upper left k 8708 T one piece

moog sway bar link k 7275 take two, counterhelp could not find this either

total parts cost me $375

 

[os1kne]

Thanks for the info, I need to do mine when it warms up.

 

[zubi]

I have a 1996 limited, I replaced them myself. Not hard if you have the appropriate tools to remove/install them (lower ones). Go to an auto parts store that will lend you the pressed-in ball joint tool. I went ahead and bought them, well worth the $160.00.The upper ones are bolted on. I got all 4 aftermarket on EBay, Real cheap. With some help, you'll be finished in 4 hours. No re-alignment needed.
Good luck.

 

[carlover]

When you replace the factory upper control arms you are gonna need to get an aligment. You are changing the caster/camber when you take them off and move the aligment cams.

 

[auscubkelly]

Zubi Mentioned that he got his parts off of EBAY. I have seen those too, any recommendations?

 

[carlover]

Here is all four ball joints, greasable. This is the brand i put on mine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-0...140081727054QQihZ004QQitemZ140081727054QQrdZ1

Or if you wanna replace everything and not have to worry about it for awhile, here is everything i got and replaced recently.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...Sell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget


Also make sure you get a set of these. You will need them to get an aligment.
http://napaonline.com/masterpages/N...iption=Camber+/+Caster+Kit+-+Front+Suspension

 

[auscubkelly]

Thanks carlover...

Your help has been truly appreciated.

 

[carlover]

Thats what we are here for.