took the truck to get aligned and was told that my upper ball joint on the right side was worn and it would cost me $173 to replace. Is this a tough job (special tools needed) or should I pay up?

 

Not tough at all if you have the right tools!! I recently replaced mine (1997 2wd). Get a Haynes manual, a properly sized pickle fork, and one of those "C" clamp style ball joint presses. Also need a tie rod puller (pitman arm puller will work as well).

Let's see, "C" clamp ball joint press normally 39.99 at harbor frieght was on sale for 29.99, pickle fork set (3 sizes) 10 bucks, Pitman arm puller, 10 bucks. Haynes manual 13 bucks, ball joints, cant remeber which are cheaper upper or lowers, but I think uppers around 35 bucks and lowers are 50 bucks (thats each).

Follow the directions in the Haynes manual and you will be OK. The "C" clamp tool is worth it's weight in gold. Can use it for your universal joints as well. Haynes manual is a must have anyways so don't consider that as an added expense. The pickle forks are cheap as well as the puller.

If your gonna do the upper than you really should do the lower. You should do both sides and be done with it. Check the tie rods as well. When all done, then get the alignment. If one ball joint has failed, then the others are soon to follow.

For a little more money than what the shop will charge you, you can have all of them done yourself. Use a good quality ball joint like moog. They should have a grease fitting on them to help with longevity unlike the stock ones that don't. If need more specifics, let me know. Kevin

 

Check with Auto Zone they have tools that they loan to customers. You pay for the tool, use it, then take it back and get your money back. I had a radiator leak on my truck and a tractor. I got a pressure tester from AZ found the leaking spots then took the tool back. I know they have the C Clamp tool as a loaner. Naturallly, they want your business.

 

Thanks for the info.
I will replace them this weekend.

 

also, will I have to remove the upper control arm to replace the ball joint?

 

No, the upper control arm stays in place. Thats the nice thing abut the "C" clamp tool. You don't have to remove it. Good luck. BTW, spray the ball joints where they seat in the control arm, the tie rods, etc with penetrating oil so it will come apart easier. Do it once or twice a day till you start the project. Kevin

 

Thanks

 

Did the deed today. Borrowed the press from autozone and went agead and did the upper ball joint on the other side too. I'll do the lowers another time. Thanks for the help.

Carl