yep Ford lower ball joints can be replaced in the control arm. Both the press and pickle fork can be obtained at no charge from any large auto parts store.

You have two things you may need tools for, 1) Getting the ball joint out of the spindle, 2) Pressing the ball joint out of the lower control arm, you will need a press/large C Clamp and the appropriate cup to move it out and into the control arm.

The kit in this video is all you'll need to press the ball joint out and into the lower control arm. Buy it at Harbor Freight, Northern Tool or just borrow it from Advance/Pep Boys/ etc Auto store.

Check out youtube videos FordTechMakuloco and motoforlyfe to help you make an easy install. As far as tools rent or buy the pickle fork and the ball joint clamp.

Yup ... though this country boy has been around the block many times, from rebuilding engines on the farm to years of automotive mechanic training. Love there are videos on Youtube, lots of help with things I did not know. At my age, always want to learn at least one new thing everyday.

More importantly ... I want to give a big shout out and thank you to everyone of you who responded to my thread. From each comment here I learned something. In comparison, I also posted on a Ford Ranger forum with nearly the same 300 views as on here Sig Forum ... but from the Ranger forum not one comment. You guys are the best !

quote:

Thanks, exactly a recommendation I was looking for. OTC makes some great tools for this purpose. The other I as looking at was the Astro Pneumatic Tool 7897.

I have the OTC C-frame myself. I haven't been able to break it. Keep the threads on the forcing screw clean and well lubricated. The very basic adapters that come with that set will probably work on your lower ball joint. Astro Pneumatic has been "hit or miss" for me, but I use tools every day and hard, much harder than your one-time use. You'll also need a snap ring (aka circlip) plier. Even if the old ball joint doesn't have one, the new one almost certainly will.

I still think it more cost-effective to rent/borrow the press. Several parts chains like O'Reilly, Advance Auto, etc. offer this. If you don't think you'll ever use the tool again, the possibility exists that you could sell it later.

I have a pickle fork I'll never use again.

I used a loaner ball joint press from Autozone to do my Mustang lower ball joints last spring.
They came out and went back in nice and smooth.

Just check the press before you leave. The schmuck before me must have used an impact and cross threaded the thing but of course I did not realize this until I got back to the house and all setup and tried to start cranking.

HRK ... that was a great video, thanks !

I ordered the Astro 7897...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: old dino,

You shouldn't need customer service with an OTC tool....

quote:

Originally posted by Excam_Man:
You shouldn't need customer service with an OTC tool....

That's the problem as nothing is perfect.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: old dino,

^^^ absolutely.

I just yanking your chain.

Yank away sir ! Just be kind to my little avatar pooch.

Typically you can rap the side of the control arm, using vibration, to loosen the ball joint tapered shaft. Tie rod ends come out easy, ball joints need harder rapping. Usually I have used a 16 or 24 oz. ball peen hammer. This is often easier than using a pickle fork, and is best when planning on reusing the part.

I managed to bend my Harbor Freight one!
Still works, just a little "a-crook".

My advice, clean the opening well first, wire brush or emory cloth. And make sure it's going in straight, or else you can get the above.

Of course the last one I did rattle around in the opening, apparently a known issue with that model car. So I bought the over sized splined one. Still popped out with minimal pressure. So the welder joined the party...