1988 Ford F-150 Ball Joint Shake

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BAREFOOTBOB88
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  • 60 POSTS
Two weeks ago my truck started to shake a bit at cruising speeds. (40-60mph). Then it went away. But now It shakes so bad that my dashboard almost flys apart. So I jacked it up and gave the front wheels a shake. The lower ball joints definitely need replaced. Theres pry an inch of play. So I figured I might as well replace the upper and lower ball joints. I know that either the top or the bottom one is factory pressed in. My question is how does one go about replaceing the one thats pressed in. Or can a do-it-yourself person do it? I've changed ball joints before but it's been a while and I don't think I've been lucky enough to change one that was pressed in. Of course I've never work on I-Beam suspension before either. Help would be greatly appreciated. :)
Nov 20, 2006 at 12:51 PM
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CATCH_15
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 250 POSTS
Harbor Freight Tools sells a kit that you can use to install new ball joints. It is a gray plastic case that says 3-in-one service kit.
Nov 20, 2006 at 2:19 PM
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BAREFOOTBOB88
  • MEMBER
  • 60 POSTS
Thanks for your input. The only problem with ordering something from harbor frieght is that I may not get it until next year the way they are sometimes. I'll look and see if I can find it there though. I had almost forgot about harbor frieght.
Nov 21, 2006 at 7:21 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the worn upper and lower ball joints using a ball joint service kit, such as the Harbor Freight 3-in-1 kit, to press out and install the factory pressed-in joint.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1988 Ford F-150 reported vibration at 40-60 mph that later became severe. Jacking the truck and shaking the front wheels showed about an inch of play in the lower ball joints. They asked whether a DIYer can replace the factory pressed-in ball joint on the I-beam suspension. The expert recommended a Harbor Freight 3-in-1 ball joint service kit for installation.

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