Well, the verdict is in... Lower Ball Joints AND Upper Control Arms

[Tommy VanNess]

The price Ford quoted me was $1200 for the job. My question is; should I have Ford do it or should I look into doing it myself? A buddy of mine has a garage with all necessary tools, all I have to do is buy pizza, beer and take a day off work. Any info or opinions are appreciated.



Tommy

 

[Todd Z]

If your buddy is a competent mechanic, Go that route. Only issue from there is the drive to the alignment shop...

You will save a bunch of money, But make sure he is not the average "backyard" mechanic or it could cost you double..

Todd Z

 

[Tommy VanNess]

Good point Todd Z. Thanks. I am leaning towards getting Ford to do it because I know it will be done right by the right people. It is kind of uncharted territory to do it myself anyway.

 

[Chad Merry]

Do it your self. Please!! Dont waste your maoney paying ford all that cash. All you need is an air compressor and air ratchets and an impact gun. You will be amazed at how easy it is. And even if you cant figure it out 100% you simply bolt everything back up the best you can and limp to the alignment shop, and they will finish the rest.

 

[Dreman]

A local shop should be able to do the same work as Ford for less money.

 

[LoriMaury Kimbrough]

Not sure about your Ford dealer, but ours warrantees all of their work for a year. We have no private garages or mechanics that are willing to do that. So we will have Ford do any major work on the truck. We'll pay more, but we feel it is worth it.

 

[Phill R]

I just did my lowers, It's not complicated but does require some muscle and patience dealing with the drive shafts. Price $70 for two lowers. Control arms are fine.

If your friend will do it for beer, make sure he does the job first [kidding]

 

[Yardsale]

I had mine done at a tire, alignment and brake shop for about $800.00. They replaced the upper control arm and ball joints, and the lower ball joints with Moog parts. The ball joints now have grease fittings (not sure of the new Ford ball joints do).

 

[Tommy VanNess]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I will make a few calls and shop around.

 

[Yardsale]

Look at it this way - if you have the work done at a shop, with all the time you save, and while you are waiting for the work to be done, you can have all the pizza and beer you want - without getting dirty. Not a bad afternoon.