I just got my truck serviced and the tech noted that there was "slight play in right lower ball joint". He noted that it didn't require immediate attention, but to keep an eye on it.

My question, how much does it cost to replace the ball joints and is it normal to have these start to wear out at around 75,000km (46,000 miles). I do use my truck quite a bit on logging roads and whatnot (lots of potholes, washboard, etc.) so I would expect suspension related parts to wear a little quicker than normal. I don't abouse it though.

Is this a serious problem or something I should just check out come srping/summer. He advised me not to do anything until winter was well over.

Thanks in advance.

 

Ball joints are relatively cheap and easy to install. Ford ball joints do tend to wear out fast, especially with alot of rough driving. It's not anything serious it reduces ride quality and increases tire wear, but your truck's not going to fall apart.

If you want to keep an eye on it yourself all you have to do is jack up the front of the truck and have a friend put one hand on the top of the tire and one hand on the bottom. Have him push and pull on the tire while you watch how much the ball joints move. If they are in good shape they shouldn't move at all.

-Jon

 

Thanks for the response,

How much "play" can there be before they should be changed? Probably tough to answer . . .

Thanks

- Coug

 

Cougar Guy

I am not 100% sure about this, but I have the Hayne's Manual and I think there is a chapter related to ball joints and some tolerances. If I find something I will let you know. But in the meantime try to get one. It's very helpful.

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My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.

Modifications:
K&N FIPK
Gibson Supertruck Exhaust System
Stepshield door sill protectors
Performance Accesories 3" Body Lift
Superlift 3" lift blocks
Performance Lift Lips
Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks
Daystar Front Anti-sway Bar Polyurethane Bushings
Heckethorn Steering Stabilizer
35x12.5R16.5LT BFG All Terrain KO's
16.5x9.75 American Eagle 589's.

Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck

 

That's actually a good idea . . . I didn't even think of it. I'll try to find one later today.

- Coug

 

That's a tough one to answer over the internet. New joints will have no play at all. I guess a slight wiggle is acceptable. If you can move the tire back and forth 1/2 an inch then that would be considered very bad.

-Jon

 

Great. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info everyone.

That gives me at least an idea so when I go underneath the truck, I can "gauge" how bad they are.

Thanks again,

- Coug

 

Cougar Guy, Trust me... 46,000 miles for Ford ball joints is normal. That is about the time that I had to have mine replaced. Also...watch your tie rod ends.

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97' F250LD, 4x4,4.6l V8 Romeo, auto,Plow Package, heavy duty cooling package, DeeZee running and bed boards, Prime design BugFlector

 

Thanks for the info Maine250, I'll get the tie-rod ends checked out also.

 

You have to be careful... if the lower joint decides to let go, the lower control arm will slam down into the inside of the rim, and the only thing keeping the wheel straight ahead are the upper joint and the tie-rod end... Happened on my buddy's thunder-chicken. Not a pretty sight. If they're good, it won't move. If they're worn, replace them. In my book, there's no such thing as "acceptable" play in a ball joint. If they're sloppy, they're gonna get replaced.
-Joe-


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98 Explorer (Lemon Law Case in Progress)

'00 F-150, X-cab, 4x4, Lariat, Off-road, Trailer Tow, Holandia Sunroof, built 11/99 picked up 10/00!Clear Corners, Manik Stainless Steel 1-piece brush guard, Custom CB wiring, Uniden PC76-XLW CB radio with K-40 Magna-Mount antenna (for now), 1 set of 165 watt KC Daylighters (for now... more on the way) Custom switch mounting plate and overhead console.
List of planned mods: Clear tails, color matched trailer hitch with stainless steel ball, torsion bar tweak, bug deflector, spray in liner, and a tonneau of some sort...

93 Probe GT teal, OE rims painted to match, bone stock drivetrain.

 

After I was told that my ball joints and tie rod ends were gone the mechanic told me "not to hit any bumps or you will lose your steering." What a reassurance. Other than that the truck has been nothing but reliable.

MaineF250

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97' F250LD, 4x4,4.6l V8 Romeo, auto,Plow Package, heavy duty cooling package, DeeZee running and bed boards, Prime design BugFlector

 

$800 to get both lower ball joints and front tie rods replaced. Is this a good price from a dealer or should I look elsewhere.
Thanks


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1997 Black F150 XLT RC, SWB, ORP,
3.55, Soft Tonneau, 6 CD,
Bug Deflector, Smittybilt Nerf
Bars, Clear Turn Signal
Lenses, K&N Air Filter, Backup Lamps, Cal-Vu Sport Mirrors

Future: Superchip, Moonvisor,
Flowmaster 40

 

By the way, I have 95000 miles on my truck. I dont remember if I had the ball joints replaced before but my right front tire moves about 1 - 1 1/2 inches. I failed the MA. inspection for vehicles. That is how I found out.

 

How about $522? Is that about right? Sounds better to me.

[This message has been edited by candu (edited 01-08-2001).]