Need a new upper...

[Tommy McIntosh]

I was planning on buying a new upper because the boot on the ball joint is almost completely worn off so the standard decision would be to go to the parts store and pay almost 100 bix for one, but I looked on amazon and saw 3 or 4 for half the price, the reviews were pretty good except one or two said the ball joint popped out or had to be replaced less than a year later, but a lot of them gave 5 stars, do you think I could trust one of these to save a good amount of money? I mean even a store bought part could be just as good or bad right?

 

[Joe in NY]

I did all four of my front ball joints at 63K right after I bought it. The boots were gone on each one. They easily pressed out with a ball joint press and I got good ones to press back in. You will be able to get a higher quality ball joint if you are able to press out the old ones and press in the new ones.

 

[swshawaii]

^ Agree. Last places to cut corners are brakes and suspension. Providing your UCA bushings are in good shape, and unlike previous 1995-01 Explorers, 2002-05 upper ball joints can be replaced if original. This will also save you the cost of alignment if the upper control arm bolts are not loosened. Here's a great sticky from the stock 2002-05 sub forum useful threads. GL

How To: Replacing Upper Ball Joints on a 3rd Gen 4x4 [Pictures] | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2002,explorer,4.0l+v6,1377660,suspension,ball+joint,10070