Upper Control Arms and Lower Ball Joints for cheap?

[thatoneguy]

I took my truck in today since I needed an alignment. I put it off for about two months come to find out my ball joints are shot and I need to control arms according to the shop I was at. Can't really get an alignment if these parts aren't working. I'm taking it to another place to get a second opinion but was wondering if any one knew of any online retailers that sell control arms for cheap. The shop wants 150 for each one and I've already found some for half that also found places that sell ball joints for a heck of a lot cheaper than 70 bucks. Also if anyone knows a shop in the valley send me a message or post up lol I was at Desert Rat I'm trying OffRoad Unlimited tomorrow. All in all the shop wants:

150 for the upper arms x 2 = 300
70 for the ball joints x 2 = 140
90 for the alignment.
and 450 for the labor which blows my mind but I can't do much about that hence why I'm looking around for other shops to compare.

 

[adambant]

Some have mixed opinions of what you get on ebay, but if you look around you can find a "front end kit" for around $120 that includes all inner and outer tie rods, control arms with upper ball joints, and lower ball joints. I purchased one a month ago but cant give you any feedback on longevity as i have only driven the truck a few times since cuase im dealing with a broken rear timing chain guide

Adam.

 

[thatoneguy]

Sweet! I just checked it out and they do sell the kits like you said. Is your X lifted Adam?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford...Q5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_2142wt_1165

I'm assuming it doesn't make a difference if it's for a four door and mines a two door since their the same price?

 

[adambant]

No my X isn't lifter, all stock. I don't think theres a difference from 2 or 4 doors but im no expert. That actually looks like a nicer kit than the one I got. Mine didnt come with the end links or new bolts for the control arms.

Adam.

 

[Carguy3J]

I'm a bit confused here. You said that there isn't much you can do about the labor, but you're shopping for parts. I assume that your statement means that you will have to have a shop put them in. In that case, you're most likely stuck w/ paying their price for the parts as well. Most shops won't install "outside" parts. Even the ones that will, probably won't touch your ebay special front-end kit. Show them some Moog parts, and maybe they'll do it, but they won't risk their reputation, or the liability, by installing parts of unknown origin/quality.

Not to mention, that the job is usually priced as a package. Even though they give you separate prices for parts and labor, they are counting on the profit from the part sales as well as the labor. I know if I'm doing a side job, I almost always insist on supplying parts. If that's not possible, then the labor will be higher.

 

[moutianeer_man59]

If you had the time and tools, along with a extra veh, its not a tough job to do and save your self a ton on the labor, get the hayes manual and the parts from either oriliy's or napa and do it your self. I had a poping in the front of my 00 mountny and decided it needed some work, got both outer tie rods, upper control arms (with the ball joints n bushings) lower ball joints and both sets front and rear lower control arm bushings. just make sure you get an alinghment when its all said and done. it will take some work but worth it in the end, I just wish I had a bigger arbor press to push the new lower bushings in.

 

[thatoneguy]

Carguy3J - When I was at Desert Rat yesterday I asked them if I bought the parts would they install it; you're correct they said they wouldn't be able to because of liability issues. It's weird in a sense because when I got my fabtech spindles I asked them the same thing and they said it wasn't an issue, maybe because it's more of a known brand. In the end I changed the spindles on my own since there was a write up on here and it was pretty easy to do just took all day lol.

If I buy the kit I plan on installing it with a friend since he has a lift in his garage and all the tools needed. I don't really feel like dishing out $1000 dollars on parts and labor if I don't have to especially if it's a job I'm pretty confident I can do. The only term that comes to mind is BOHICA when I think of spending that much money at a shop. Granted if I HAD to I would but if there's any way I can avoid it I will.

Mountianeer_man59 how long did it take you to change the the tie rods, upper control arms, lower ball joints and the bushings? I do have a hayes manual actually one of the first things I bought when I got my explorer haha

 

[adambant]

I guess it depends on where you go. I've had places install parts that I supplied a few times. Usually just have to either verbally acknowledge, or sign somthing that says "user supplied parts, no warranty of any kind blah blah blah"

I did my whole front end (everything you have in that kit plus sway bar bushings) in a relaxed paced saturday, was something like 8 to 4ish. I do remember fighting a bit to get the driver side control arm bolts out though, not enough clearance to just slide the thru bolt right out...had to kinda twist up and wiggle and all kinds of fun stuff to get it out. Its doable though.

Adam.

P.S. What i do to keep the alignment pretty close to what it was before you started is, when you begin to spin off the original outer tie rod, count how many full revolutions you turn until it comes off...REMEMBER that number, and then just spin the new one on the same amount of times. Works real good, and you dont need to measure anything. But you definately will still need a real alignment when your all done though.

 

[thatoneguy]

Just ordered it should get it next week between Monday and Wednesday.

Adam I'll be sure to use that technique for the outer tie rod so my alignment stays pretty close to what it was before. I was worried about what it was going to be like after everything is installed but if I can keep it close to what it is now and take it right down to the shop after for alignment appreciate the advice!