My 2003 2x4 3.0 has 110k miles and mechanic tells me it needs ball joints. Does this sound correct with the mileage? I have owned since 5k miles always baby the truck and notice now loose steering. Just put new tires on and do not want to cause uneven wear. Also is this a difficult job for an old shade tree mechanic with a garage full of tools? I understand front wheel realign is standard procedure after this repair.

Any suggestions are helpful. Thanks

 

When I bought my Ranger at 140k miles they needed to be replaced. The lower ball joints can be replaced by pressing them out of the lower control arm but to replace the uppers you need to replace the entire control arm.
Loose steering could be caused by other things though.

 

My ball joints went bad at 85k.
I went ahead and replaced them all.
And i baby the the hell ,out of my truck.

 

Jack
lower ball jts you will need a press, I assume you dont have one as you asked about the job. Harbor Freight has one but it bends on stubborn ball jts. use a 5 lb hammer on the top of the screw and back up the bottom of the press with a solid rest. tap and turn. A large socket will help press back in.

 

^Or he could just rent a press from o'reilly's. They work well.

 

Thanks for the experience. I am late as hell getting back, but do not have an internet connection. I just broke down and had the dealer do the work. $$$