Expedition Ball joints

[rogerwa]

Has anyone had any experience replacing lower ball joints on an expedition?? Its a $700 job with only about $100 in parts. I have never done ball joints but have done plenty of other auto work. My father in law says I should just pay up. I know I will have to have it aligned after they are replaced, but I would like to do them myself and use the extra $600 to buy boat stuff <br /><br />Any experiences in doing this job would be appreciated..

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: Expedition Ball joints

rogerwa,<br /><br />I'm going to do the same to my Blazer this weekend.<br /><br />Balljoints are not difficult to replace.<br /><br />A balljoint spliter and a sharp cold chisel for removing the rivets (if thats how they are held on) makes the job alot easier.<br /><br />New bolts, to replace the rivets, usually come with the new balljoints.<br /><br />An alignment will be required when your done though.<br /><br />And while under there, make sure to check out the rest of the front-end, like tie-rod ends, etc...<br /><br />I would strongly suggest that you change both the upper and lower balljoints at the same time, not just changing the bad ones, replace them all.<br /><br />Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.<br /><br />Go for it, and save that $600!!

 

[Matt O]

Re: Expedition Ball joints

Lower ball joints on an expedition require removal of the brakes, steering knuckle, and halfshaft needs removed from the knuckle. It also requires a Ball joint press to press them in and out of the lower control arm. AFAIK its approximatly 4 hours according to chilton to remove and replace ball joints, than have to add time to check and or reset alignment. If you have access to an impact gun, ball joint press and a couple of larger sockets it can be done however I dont know your skill level. Also a note on what KKC added if you replace uppers on your vehicle get ready for sticker shock. They are not bolt ins or press ins, they are complete upper control arms. Hope this helps.<br /><br />Matt

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: Expedition Ball joints

Thanks for correcting what I wasn't sure about them Expedition front ends, drive camp, it's been a while.<br /><br />I forgot that Ford uses the pressed in type of balljoint.<br /><br />rogerwa,<br /><br />Even if you have to purchase a balljoint removal/installation tool, approx. $45 - $60, it would still be cheaper than paying $600 for someone else to do it.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Expedition Ball joints

Those ball joint tools are expensive. Check on www.batauto.com under tools.<br /><br />I just did the ball joint on my 93 Chevy S-10 Blazer, and they were pressed in. Beating them out was no problem, getting them back in without tearing them up was a pain. I didnt use the tool, just careful application of a jack and hammer blows.<br /><br />Ken

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Expedition Ball joints

Autozone has a tool rental program, usually it's free when you buy the parts there so you may want to give them a call b4 you attack this job. Might be able to save a few more bucks.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Expedition Ball joints

So what exactly is the time consuming part of this job? I can pull the brakes and bearing assembly in very little time. Is the half shaft that difficult or is it the pressing of the joint? Also, why does the half shaft have to come off? When I take the bearing assembly off it just kind of hangs there. <br /><br />I think I can rent the tool from the local checker auto supply. That's where I get the axle nut socket from as well.

 

[DJ]

Re: Expedition Ball joints

rogerwa,<br /><br />Pay someone to do it. Ball joints, on anything, are back breaking work without ALL the right tools, jacks. lift, chisels, press, etc.<br /><br />I've done plenty before and swear I'll never do another one. It takes me too long to recover.

 

[RetNav]

Re: Expedition Ball joints

I just had the ball joints replaced on my 98 2500 dodge diesel. I thought only one was bad but turned out all four were gone. Both uppers and lowers are press in and I watched as they changed them out. No way I would have done it even though I have before on many other vehicles. The total, parts and labor, came to $466. Drives like a new truck now.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Expedition Ball joints

Originally posted by DJ:<br />rogerwa,<br /><br />Pay someone to do it. Ball joints, on anything, are back breaking work without ALL the right tools, jacks. lift, chisels, press, etc.<br /><br />I've done plenty before and swear I'll never do another one. It takes me too long to recover.

I'll second that DJ, Roger, By the time you are halfway done you will be cursing yourself for not having the shop do it!

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Expedition Ball joints

I was out looking at it yesterday and consulting my crappy manual. I am going to have it done. Getting that front steering knuckle off would be a pain.<br /><br />I will however replace my own shocks.. I just ordered a new pair of Rancho RSX's. After these changes it should ride like new..<br /><br />For those who need shocks, Rancho is running a 4 for the price of 3 special on RSX and R9000 shocks. Most places have free shipping.