Ball joint replacement around 85,000–87,000 miles is typical on a similar 1998 F-150. When replacing, use lifetime-warranty ball joints or joints with grease fittings so the parts do not have to be paid for again.
The owner of a 1998 F-150 with 85,000 miles asked when front ball joints and tie rods normally wear out under ordinary driving. Other owners reported upper ball joint replacement at about 101,000 miles on a 2000 Expedition and both upper and lower ball joints at 120,000 miles on a 1997 Explorer, and noted that wear depends on driving and maintenance. An expert who replaced ball joints on a similar 1998 F-150 about 2,000 miles later said that timing is typical and recommended lifetime-warranty parts or joints with grease fittings.
