How To - Extensive Suspension Overhaul (Front and Rear)

[Mr.Bergner]

Once again I'm using this write-up!!

Smashed a control arm up sliding on black ice. Goes to show that even with dedicated winter tires, black ice is still dangerous.

[Joshuasvt]

Wow what a great write up...I will mosdef be using this soon!

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[Gopherdog387]

So is it possible to replace just the ball joint instead of the whole control arm?

[felixthecat]

Originally Posted by Gopherdog387

So is it possible to replace just the ball joint instead of the whole control arm?

Yup, sure is. Look up Batinc.net

[Gopherdog387]

Ok good. That should save about $100 on the pair. What is the best tool to use to get the rivets off? A Dremel type tool or a grinder??

[Convict1997]

I'd go with an angle grinder. Those rivets are pretty big. You'd be there all day with a dremel. Not to mention the number of grinding wheels you'd go through.

[fhh02a]

Originally Posted by Gopherdog387

Ok good. That should save about $100 on the pair. What is the best tool to use to get the rivets off? A Dremel type tool or a grinder??

i got a complete set of LCA's with joints and bushings included for 70bucks shipped through rockauto

[Gopherdog387]

I just looked those up. Pretty incredible actually considering Ford wants like $98 for one. Is it legit or all cheap looking?

[Gopherdog387]

This is what I got going on. Is there a way to tell just by looking at the lower ball joint if it needs to be replaced? Mine look pretty old. The mechanic said they should be swapped out but I would like to know for sure before I spend the time and money to do it. Sorry to hop onto this older thread but I still haven't been approved to begin my own!

[Convict1997]

Jeez! That thing's going to be a beast to take apart! You'd better go right now and buy a few cans of PB Blaster. Start soaking everything you plan to remove. Do that everyday for a week.

Unless the boot is torn, you won't really be able to tell by just looking at it. You'll need to jack the tire off the ground and then push and pull on the bottom of the wheel. See if there is any play in the ball joint. It shouldn't allow the wheel to move at all. Unless it's just obviously shot, I've never been real good at determining if one needed to be replaced. If the mechanic says so, and you trust them, I'd got with that and replace them.