Front suspension question

[iBrent]

This has probably been asked before but due to the sheer numbers of post on ball joints and control arms I couldn't find a singular answer.

I went in for inspection and they wanted to fail my ball joints. Fortunately they just sent me on my way instead of giving me the dreaded red R sticker (in MA). So now I'm looking to replace my ball joints. My question is as follows:

I've already decided to replace all 4 front control arms (uppers and lowers) in order to get new bushings as well. As long as I have everything apart up there, is there something else I could be replacing? I'm at 101k miles. Perhaps something that won't be far behind to fail and would require removing these components anyway? I have new brakes, and the hubs were replaced with Timken bearings at 60k.

Edit: Just in case, its a 2005 explorer V8 4x4

 

[frankcal]

I would suggest doing the outer tie rod ends and steering stabilizer links and sway bar bushings while your down there, probably add about another 1/2 hour to your work time

 

[iBrent]

Also, the manual states to replace basically all the nuts, including the axle nut, castle nuts, etc. How necessary is that and is there a place other than Ford where I can buy them? I replaced the axle nuts when I did the bearings at 60k and I remember them being $12 a piece from Ford.

 

[rlb81]

Also, the manual states to replace basically all the nuts, including the axle nut, castle nuts, etc. How necessary is that and is there a place other than Ford where I can buy them? I replaced the axle nuts when I did the bearings at 60k and I remember them being $12 a piece from Ford.

Castle nuts should be included w/ ball joints, tie rods etc.

You might also consider struts and springs if they're original.

This is why I hate suspension work. You start w/ $60 worth of parts and then the "while I'm in there" part of your brain kicks in, and $700 later you're wondering if its all worth it.

 

[frankcal]

You can get the axle nuts from a parts chain store for a couple bucks as long as you know the size. But the other bolts and nuts come with the parts that youre replacing so no need to worry on those.