Just had both front lower ball joints replaced and I was wondering if anybody else has had them replaced on their Supercrews? The max play is 1/4 inch vertical movement I'm told. If they fail you lose control of your truck. Seems like they ought to last longer than what they did. Ford chipped in on them, which was nice, but I'm left wondering: is this unusual?

 

Mine lasted about the same. Aftermarket ones are suppose to be better with a greese fitting.

 

My lowers were replaced at 52,000.

 

Mine made it to about 66000. Could tell a difference after they were replaced.

 

How much did they charge you to replace them?

 

About $230.

 

Parts and labor or only parts?

 

I have a 2003 and was wondering if they put grease fittings on because of past problems

 

You could always look to see but I guess it is a cost savings to Ford, plus a money maker for Ford to replace a crappy design and money maker for them. Way to look out for the customer...

 

Pulled out my invoice; was actually closer to $240 total. Included parts, shop supplies, labor, & tax. Labor was just over $182.

 

Damn, 76% of the cost is just for labor...

 

I am not sure about mechanic labor but body shop cost last I checked ws up around 35 to 40.00 an hour for insurance work

 

There all making a ton of money. I don't mind paying a fair amount if the work is done correctly, but sometimes it takes 2 or 3 times till they get it and they charge for everytime they touch it...

 

That is sooooo TRUE!!!

 

How did you know they needed to be replaced? What were the symptoms? Also, it isn't necessary to realign wheels when replacing ball joints is it?