Help Needed Ball Joints on 2WD Excursion (replacement)

[toobsluver]

ok so I have my stats below on my truck 2000 X 2WD. Over a year ago, i got an alignment at one of my favorite truck shops. They told me that the ball joints were going and that soon they would need to be replaced. Well, I am finally hearing a popping sound especially when I launch the truck from a stop and let off the gas right away. Besides that, I seen what happened to my GF's S10 when the ball joints went when she was driving, I don't want that to happen to me when I'm doing 90!

Anyways, with all of that being said. I started doing my research and what better place to go to that SDD.com. Ok, so I found out to get MOOG joints. Ok all fine and dandy! However, I can't find anyone on here that has replaced their ball joints on a 2WD Ford. From what I am reading it seems like it could possibly be a pain in the ass. Then again everything I am reading is about 4WD vehicles. I don't have the ball joint press tool, I have many other tools and I am very mechanically inclined. I usually do all of my work. Infact, I built (put together) my race motor in my Nova. I didn't do the machine work but I put it together from the pan up to the top of the carburetor.

What is everyone's take on this I'm looking at $600-$1000 at the shop. Or about $150 in ball joints and maybe 50 bucks for the ball joint removal tool? What do you think I should do? I have a nice shop I can do the work in and the X can sit there all weekend if it needs to plus I have a company truck I drive to work.


HELP!!!

 

[toobsluver]

Actually, I just ordered the parts. Now where do I find the proper Ball Joint press tool? I see people make them out there. Infact you can get them off ebay for like 80 bucks.

 

[jestersv]

oreillys rents them I had to drive the old ones out with a sledge on my f 350 2wd

 

[toobsluver]

Do you know how much they cost to rent? Plus I dont have an O'Reillys by me. I have Advanced and Auto Zone and Napa. I'll have to call tomorrow.

 

[DaveBen]

Almost any tool rental will have a ball joint press. They cost about $150 as I recall. I bought mine on eBay for less than 50 bucks. They are around. Budget a day to do the ball joints. Good Luck.

Dave

 

[toobsluver]

Almost any tool rental will have a ball joint press. They cost about $150 as I recall. I bought mine on eBay for less than 50 bucks. They are around. Budget a day to do the ball joints. Good Luck.

Dave

Do you know the exact size I will need to get it done to make sure the right coupler size comes with the kit. I'll buy it if I have to. I dont know if there is a different in sizes between the 4x4 and the 2wd. I imagine there is.

 

[jestersv]

there is not a whole lot of difference between but they are large and a pita so plan a day and do 1 side at a time that way if you run out of time your truck isn't down

 

[toobsluver]

Can anyone tell me what kit to buy and what size I need to do these ball joints? Product brand and part numbers are helpful. My MOOG ball joinst as well as radius arm bushings are ordered along with a Haynes Manual for my truck. Just need the right tools!

 

[jestersv]

there is a difference between the 4wd 2wd ball joints so make sure you compare with what you have before tear down I would take the joints to autoparts and make sure that tools will fit them

 

[DaveBen]

In general most ball joint tools that I have seen/used are made for cars and light trucks. Don't get a cheap (Chinese) ball joint tool!! I got mine on eBay for about 50 bucks. It looks like a big C-clamp with several rings and pressing inserts.

Dave