Ball Joint Removal In An Older 4x4 Truck
I recently started working on a project truck and out of curiosity called a garage to see how much they would charge to change all four ball joints. The vehicle is a 1979 F150. It is a 4x4 that is in the process of being built for off road use only. I have replaced most of the front end already. You can check out my other posts. The mechanics shop told me that because of the age, and the issues with getting the parts, it would cost me over $700 to replace the ball joints. That was, of course, if no other parts needed to be replaced.
Yes, this can be a time consuming job, as anyone that has worked on ball joints can verify, but one of the main reasons I started this site is because of ridiculous people like this. This is a job that anyone can do. Bottom line is simply follow the steps and take your time. Anyone can remove ball joints. No shortcuts. Have the correct tools. Replace the parts instead of trying to use the old ones. Have confidence in yourself and roll up your sleeves.
When removing a ball joint in a 1979 F150 4x4 truck, or any other type of older truck, follow these steps:
Jack up the front axle and place on jack stands
Remove the front tire
Remove the brake caliper and pads from the rotor
Remove the allen head screws from the hub (the locking hubs)
Remove the Circlip from the axle hub (using Circlip Pliers)
Remove outer C shaped ring from inner hub assembly
Remove inner parts from hub
Remove the spindle nut with four prong spindle socket
Remove locking washing from spindle with a pick
Remove locking nut with four prong spindle socket (this nut has a small stud extending from the nut. This nut is what locks to the locking washer).
Remove rotor and hub assembly. Wipe down the spindle with shop towels.
Remove the five nuts from the spindle
Remove the spindle from the axle. (Use a 2x4 piece of lumber to prevent any damage to the spindle. Use a heavy hammer and pound on it to help remove it.)
Remove the axle shaft
Remove the tie rod end with a tie rod end remover
Remove the cotter pin and the nut from the ball joints
Remove the spindle housing
Remove the ball joints by using the ball joint removing tool
Make sure, before you start this project, that you have a basic set of tools, a tie rod puller, a ball joint puller and installer, a piece of 2x4, a heavy hammer, a pick, needle nose pliers, brake cleaner, wheel bearing grease, ball joints, spindle bearing kit, and any other parts that you plan to replace while you have everything torn apart.
Once again this is a detailed explanation on how to take out the ball joints in a 1979 F150 4x4 truck. However, by following these steps you can modify them for whatever older vehicle you are working on and make these steps work for you.