all my ball joints are out!!!!!!!
i have some questions...
#1. i need to know the average cost for gettin them replaced at a shop
#2. can i do this my self
#3. is it really important except for that noise i hear
#4. what tools do i need to replace them
#5. how much are the parts

i know im asking alot but any help would be greatly appreciated

 

#1-alot
#2-yes you can
#3-yes its very important
#4-There is a special tool made for removing and installing ball joints. It's called something like a "C-frame assembly tool". I know of one autoparts store that has a loaner program that will loan the tool. But most autoparts stores don't. It helps if you have a forked tie rod end remover to break the tie rod loose. they are a pain in the *** to get out.. the bottom one only comes out one way..its gotta be pressed up(some people say it cant be done at home cuz u need speical tools, but if u have a advanced auto near you, go there and they should have the tools to rent for the job)
#5- found MOOG balljoints for 40$/each

after u get it done.. have a alignment done.. and u should be good to go

here's a link~~> ball joints

 

anyone got any pictures?

 

1. the lowest Quote I got was 849.00 from a friend who runs a tire and suspension shop all parts at cost and free alignment , the average cost will be 1100-1300 dollars
yes its not complicated if you have a basic understanding of mechanics just very time consuming because they fight you all the way at least all 3 times iv done it they have

very if your baljoint fails your tires come off draw your own conclusions and death theorys on that one

tools a good metric and socket set from 10mm - 23mm if i rember , wrench set in sam sizes , jacks jack stands , few basic hand tools , pickle forge , mini sledge , and few other ods and ends plus a ball joint press most places loan them for 99.99 then give you your money back when you return it .

from orileys 39.99 lowers a peice , and 63.99 for upers , and 129.99 for upers already pressed in a new a arm - all from mouge plus a tub of bearing grease

id give it a 8-10 on difficulty meter only because of the mechanics and tools involved it helps if you have somebody thats done it before there with you .

 

on my 4x4....

lowers: about $25 ea...greasable ones too.
uppers: alot more...I believe were around $120, mostly because it's the entire control arm.

 

yeah i cant afford to get it done then
im gonna have to do it myself
and i aint drivin my truck until i get them replaced cause i dont wanna die

 

oh and does anyone know where i can get the parts i need??

 

i got mine from o'reillys

they might have to order them though, i would call and make sure

 

alright sweet thanks buddy

 

What noise are you talking about? just curious

 

mine were 500 for all 4 with moog greasable ball joints... depending on if you need the LCA or not

 

when i go over a bump i hear a sqweakin , and it sounds like metal on metal

 

You dont necessarily need the whole UCA, the Gen 4's (98-00) were hit or miss. I paid $180 (labor only but w/alignment, i supplied the parts though)for the dealer to replace the uppers on my '00 Ranger, but mine didnt need new upper control arms, they just pressed in new ball joints. I did the lowers myself, which seemed easier to replace than the uppers (I attempted the uppers but ended up having the dealer do them). I'd call around because some places charge more than the dealer- I know, hard to believe. At a random shop, I was quoted $120 per side for the uppers, with no alignment. So $180 for both w/alignment sounded good to me! Good luck man

 

Autozone has the lowers for $15, and the uppers for $20. Get an Air chisle, that will usually work too

 

um. i paid 300 for a shop to do it. after buyin the parts myself. total for those was maybe 200. do the math.

 

check out my pics: http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...Ball%20Joints/

did the lowers and tie rod ends with a big hammer, jack stands, ball joint popper thing(looks like a big tuning fork), and a friend plus a vice grip.. and about 5 hours due to not knowing what we were doing/food/finding tie rod ends..

total was $187 for parts, hammer, and food,, ford dealer wanted $500 just for labor..

and pray nothing ever happens to your oil pan cause they gotta pull the engine for that.. learned that after getting quotes to get my transmission pan to stop leaking..