quick question - do upper ball joints r+r while control arm still in car?

[chief455]

2004, didn't think of this before buying the ball joints online
do they press out easy enough while still in the car, or will we be removing the arms to press the joints out?

thank you

[fastblackmerc]

2004, didn't think of this before buying the ball joints online
do they press out easy enough while still in the car, or will we be removing the arms to press the joints out?

thank you

How are you going to press them out then in?

The easiest way is to remove the arms.

You can buy a complete assembly - arm, bushings & ball joint. That is the way I'd go cause you know once you replaced the ball joint(s) the bushings will need to be replaced.

Rock Auto - $38.00 per side

Moog P/N: RK80038 - Upper right, RK80040 - Upper left

I'd replace both sides... but that's just me... :D:

[fordmike65]

I'd go with complete arms too, but if you'd rather just replace the joints, it's possible in the car with one of these:

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/OTCballjointtool_zps812d6b30.j pg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/OTCballjointtool_zps812d6b30.j pg.html)

[chief455]

thanks guys!
I have a mechanic friend that does have a removal tool.
My bushings are not bad at all, but after I ordered a pair of ball joints - he wasn't sure if the removal tool would fit on the car. He works on alot of high end foreign stuff mostly.

I actually was thinking NOT to force him into removing the arms when I pulled the trigger on buying just joints.
I have until after Thanksgiving - I may still get complete arms and call the $35 pair of ball joints a loss.
thanks!

[larryo340]

thanks guys!
I have a mechanic friend that does have a removal tool.
My bushings are not bad at all, but after I ordered a pair of ball joints - he wasn't sure if the removal tool would fit on the car. He works on alot of high end foreign stuff mostly.

I actually was thinking NOT to force him into removing the arms when I pulled the trigger on buying just joints.
I have until after Thanksgiving - I may still get complete arms and call the $35 pair of ball joints a loss.
thanks!
$35 for a pair of ball joints ?? sounds like they're cheap Chinese imports. I would replace the complete upper arm with a quality part... Preferably OEM :)

[chief455]

$35 for a pair of ball joints ?? sounds like they're cheap Chinese imports. I would replace the complete upper arm with a quality part... Preferably OEM :)
NO CHINA - NO!!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&vxp=mtr&item=380775797523#ht_759wt_706


Bought the control arms as you guys suggested - $88.04 shipped USPS Priority 2-day :)

[fastblackmerc]

NO CHINA - NO!!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&vxp=mtr&item=380775797523#ht_759wt_706


Bought the control arms as you guys suggested - $88.04 shipped USPS Priority 2-day :)

That's the way to go IMHO.

I'll be doing the same when it's time.

Remember to get the alignment done.... use carfixers specs.

[lifespeed]

My bushings are not bad at all, but after I ordered a pair of ball joints - he wasn't sure if the removal tool would fit on the car. He works on alot of high end foreign stuff mostly.

Good call on getting the complete arms with bushings. I see people all the time on this forum claiming their suspension is "just fine" with 150K miles on it. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever read :rolleyes:

These cars have suspension that wears out just like any other car on the road. It is not particularly noticeable to your average driver (until you rebuild it - wow! what an improvement) as it happens gradually over many years. One most certainly can not "see" worn bushings, joints, etc until the wear is catastrophic, long past the point they should have been replaced.

These cars are 10 years old now, most have considerable miles on them. If they haven't yet had the suspension replaced I would venture to guess the vast majority are due.

[/rant]

[fordmike65]

Even my MM with only 70k on it has some good cracks in the bushings & blown balljoint boots. No play though. Definately on my To-Do list this up-coming year. Wondering if there is a polygraphite upper bushing available?

[lifespeed]

Even my MM with only 70k on it has some good cracks in the bushings & blown balljoint boots. No play though. Definately on my To-Do list this up-coming year. Wondering if there is a polygraphite upper bushing available?

I rebuilt mine at 96K. The improvement was so dramatic I wished I had done it earlier.

It is really difficult to observe play in a balljoint, even prying on the wheel with a long bar. But replace it, align it, and go for a test drive and you'll feel it.

[fordmike65]

Just need to unload the balljoint & play will be apparent. I'm sure that new arms, lower arm joints & bushings will tighten up the front end nicely ;)

[chief455]

Exacly guys. I pay for labor, so at first thought a quicker ball joint only repacement would suffice, as my car has 82k and no dry rot, signs of slop in those a-arm bushings.
After realizing he'll have an easier time just swapping arms, I also get new bushings BEFORE they go into sloppy condition.
I know I'll feel the improvement.
Plus, we're swapping in Monroe sever duty shocks at the same time.

I'll do sway bay links when I can afford an Addco upgrade later, it will all be top notch then :)

[chief455]

DONE.
Thanks to your experienced input, my 'great condition' original front end feels 2 times better :)

The upper joints were still pretty firm, but the boots shot.
Control arm bushings looked fine, until removed!
Easy, inexpensive enhancement to an already great driving car.
Love my Marauder.

[fastblackmerc]

DONE.
Thanks to your experienced input, my 'great condition' original front end feels 2 times better :)

The upper joints were still pretty firm, but the boots shot.
Control arm bushings looked fine, until removed!
Easy, inexpensive enhancement to an already great driving car.
Love my Marauder.

Much easier going with the replacement arm assemblies.....

[Piece-it Pete]

I've bought a few parts from that seller and they will wheel and deal FYI, shot'em a PM with an offer :)

Pete

[tbone]

Good call on getting the complete arms with bushings. I see people all the time on this forum claiming their suspension is "just fine" with 150K miles on it. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever read :rolleyes:


[/rant]

Give it up already.

I bought the car at 92k. Maybe the previous owner had some work done on it. I did have to replace the front springs at 98k.

[lifespeed]

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