1997 Ford F-150 upper control arm/ upper ball joints

MW0248

MEMBER
1997 FORD F-150
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Can I easily get the upper ball joint loose with a pickle fork? Unbolting the control arm isn't a problem; will do it myself and save a lot of money if I can get the ball joint out;

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 AT 6:44 PM

2 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Yes you can use a pickle fork to seperate the ball joint from the spindle and yes you can remove the upper control arm with the bolts just mark it so you can get it close for aligment reasons. You will need to have the ball joint pressed out and back in the control arm so you may need to take it to a shop that has a press and will do this. Also make sure you use a sping compressor to keep the coil spring in place so it won't come flying out at you. Hope this helps if you need anything more just ask.

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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 AT 10:59 AM

CRZYDRVR

MEMBER
432 POSTS

There is not a coil spring on this set up. You will want to have a jack under the lower control arm. When you loosen the castle nut, leave it threaded on about two turns. Then hit it hard with a hammer. This will allow it to come loose without being out of control. If this is a original ball joint, you will have to buy a new control arm with ball joint. Its cheaper anyway, plus you should get new control arm bushings with it as well.

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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 AT 10:05 PM