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MKVIII : Ball Joint replacements

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Posted by: eglade

I need to R&R the ball joints on my 97 MKVIII. My local shop wants $600+ to replace. I'd rather do it myself. Are there any special tools or procedures involved. The arms look a little delicate compared to the "old school" steel arms on my Stingray and I don't want to mangle them in the process.
I'm a fairly skilled wrench and have no qualms about purchase of specialty tools if required to do the job correctly.
Any info would be appreciated.

Posted by: pepperman

the Mark VIII owners should be able to help you.

Posted by: scott9050

Download the appropriate CD for your year in the link pinned at the top of the forum. The job is not that hard, just a bit time consuming.

Posted by: fossten

Simple job. Check out the search engine and put in "ball joints." I and another guy traded experiences when we did it. Not too bad for the pass. side, but the driver's side is a little tough. Still, it's doable over one weekend and only cost me parts=$135.00.

Posted by: eglade

Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
I just went back and the shop informed me the $600+price was "per side". I about hit the floor.
After a few choice words for the service writer I went by the dealer to verify and they told me that the control arms are replaced as a complete assembly with ball joints installed, go figure. I've got a friend scaring me up a set as I want to do both sides at once. There is no provision for a zerk fitting on the ball joints so I want to ensure both sides are up to snuff.
I've avoided wrenching on this car as it's been fine up till now so I guess it's time to break the cherry. I love this car and appreciate all the tech and info sharing on this site.
Thanks Again, Eddie

Posted by: Brozly

I just had my upper and lower replaced at the shop for around $800, the tire shop quoted me 2 something apiece for the upper arms,... I found them online for cheap, but then wasn't sure why they were so cheap, and didn't have the time, so I paid the bucks. These are what I found, has anybody delt with CarParts.com ??
http://wrenchead.carparts.com/cgi-bi...m+jcw-carparts
They list Moog parts...

Posted by: torquemonkey

Welcome to the site,
sounds as if you are on the right track. I had just done both upper arms and struts last night. I used Arnott A-arms, Strutmasters struts. I found that this link;

http://www.lincolnsonline.com/article97.html

was extremely helpful when doing the driver's side. Plan on getting frustrated. I had to move a wireing harness out of an access hole to get to the back side nut. While you're in there, its a good time to sensor lower the car if you haven't already.

Posted by: Psychostang

Ford stopping putting grease fittings in there ball joints over ten years ago. When they upgraded them, the durability tests confirmed no appreaciable wear after 200,000 miles.

Posted by: Marine

I did mine in my driveway, it's fairly easy. I wrote a "how to" guide on it. Search the forums. This has been covered alot so you should find it in many places. Good luck!

Posted by: fossten

Quote:

Originally Posted by eglade

Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
I just went back and the shop informed me the $600+price was "per side". I about hit the floor.
After a few choice words for the service writer I went by the dealer to verify and they told me that the control arms are replaced as a complete assembly with ball joints installed, go figure. I've got a friend scaring me up a set as I want to do both sides at once. There is no provision for a zerk fitting on the ball joints so I want to ensure both sides are up to snuff.
I've avoided wrenching on this car as it's been fine up till now so I guess it's time to break the cherry. I love this car and appreciate all the tech and info sharing on this site.
Thanks Again, Eddie

Still doesn't matter. The price I showed above ($135) was for BOTH CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, which I got for that price at Autozone.