I just purchased lower ball joints from NAPA and now need to install them. Anybody have any tricks to make the job got easier? I have installed a few sets in other trucks and cars, but ain't looking forward to this one.<br>BTW they were $114 each with a lifetime warranty.<br>Tom

 

You should seriously consider doing the uppers too at the same time. The uppers are not as expensive and don't take that much time one you have it apart. By the way, the ball joints are much less expensive at Autozone with same guarantee. You do not have to remove the spring as it says in some books. Jack up the truck and put a jackstand on the frame at rear of wheel opening. Remove wheel and then jack up lower control arm to take off the stress of the spring. When you remove the hub/rotor, be carefull of the brake line. Have something to set the assembly on like an overturned bucket. The lower ball joints are tack welded in two places and you will have to cut through the welds with a die grinder. You don't need to weld the new ones in. Getting the old ones out and the new ones in requires a ball joint removal kit, perhaps you can rent one. If the lower control arm is well supported, after the welds are cut and you have applied some penetrating oil, you may be able to hit the lowers out with a heavy hammer and save some time. However, you need the special kit to re-install. Have some pipe handy for a cheater bar, as tremendous force is required. Get an alignment afterward, as a front end with worn ball joints can never be alligned correctly.