1999 F250 Super Duty, 7.3 Turbo diesel, 4X2
I am giving thought to replacing the Ball joints. Very mechanically inclined. Having looked at some instructions it looks like a doable job. But they were on the 4X4's. A Chilton manual that i looked at said the ball joints were not replaceable. Am I better off letting the professionals do the job?

 

Yes unless you have a very good set of tools. I would leave this to the pros.

 

Worf,

I have a very good set of tools, and I also have access to a Ball Joint press. What I need to know before tearing into the project is will the Ball Joint Press work both as a removal tool and installation tool? I see where the upper joint is not replaceable and is part of the brake backing plate/steering arm. so just the lower joint needs replacement. Plus alignment which I would have a pro do for me.

Kawboy,
AKA The Geezy Rider

 

well the upper has to be removed to install/remove the lower which i cant remember which one it was. its in the haynes manual for these trucks. now if the thing is rusted, i would have a pro do it. if its not too bad i think you could do it. but make sure you have the right size socket for the castle nut on the lower balljoint, its larger than 1 inch i believe.

when i attempted mine the caster adjustment sleeve was rusted to all hell so i didnt do it myself

 

Thanks a bunch for the input you guys. The parts and alignment fee are the most expensive, and I would only be saving about 2 "C" notes for labor if I did it myself. So I have opted to let the pro's do the job. At 78 years of age I think it's time to let others do the work for me. But I still enjoy cranking a wrench on the small non pro jobs, especially on my motorcycle.

The Geezy Rider