problems getting ball joints for 98

[ecourt]

I called up auto-zone, and asked them for ball joints for my 98 explorer, 4wd, 4.0 SOHC.

He says passenger side $38.99, and drivers side not available. (not they dont have it, they CAN'T get it)

I had planned on changing both sides this weekend, but the passenger side is the one that needs changing. The drivers side still feels tight
At 90k miles, I figured I would just do both.

I haven't called any other parts places yet, but is there something I should know? I thought both sides had the same ball joint, that had to be pressed in ??


Also, anyone have any sugestions on anything else I should check/change while I am in there?

Thanks!
Eric C

 

[Lifted95X]

You can get better MOOG ones from this web site.

http://www.global4autoparts.com/default.htm

 

[ecourt]

thanks for the site.. I'm afraid I will have to find them local.. the parts wouldn't be here in time for me to do them this weekend.

Also, I have never messed with anything that had seald wheen bearings... do these things cause any trouble?

is there anything I need to do to them when I put them back on?


Thanks again
Eric C

 

[JoshC]

I just did my BJs last summer and they are the same. Autozone can also rent you the press which works alright. You get your money back when you bring it back too. But i guess it took about 3 hours for both sides, not a bad job at all. But if you've never had any of the components off of the front end then they could use some WD40. I had a little bit of trouble with their BJ press, if you get it you will come across it too. I had to use a floor jack with their biggest ring to get it back in, and also a hammer, you'll find out what i'm talking about.

The wheel bearings are nothing. If you don't have a puller, then get one. I got the 4-6" puller and it works great for getting the CV shaft out of the splines. That is where the bearing is, but you won't need to do anything with it, i just put some grease on mine when i had it apart and the splines for the shaft too. Hope this helped!!

Happy trails!!