I have an '01 F-150 4.6 4x4 supercrew 6'' lift
I bought the truck used and am pretty sure they are original lower control arms. I've read different things that you cant replace ball joints in original c-arms. Is that true? Really don't want to remove torsion bar as the bushings are in great shape still.
Thank you in advance for your help

 

Lower joints are replaceable.
Uppers are not without replacing the arms.
Remove caliper,
remove the caliper mount,
remove the disc for it's weight
remove the shield for convince,
remove sway bar link,
remove the tie rod end,
Put jack under arm for control.
May need to slide off the CV axle after nut is removed.
remove the lower ball joint to spindle,
remove upper ball joint to spindle.
All this is to be able to get the spindle clearance and movement to come off the lower ball joint.
Then get the tool kit to remove and install the joint.
Never/never heat any parts that are sealed such as the lower ball joint or it's area. This presents a huge danger.
Good luck.

 

Thanks Bluegrass I really appreciate your help.

 

ball joints will be tight in the frame. Hammer is not enough to punch them out. If you buy your ***** local, the shop should let you borrow a hand press to remove them.

 

A small sledge and a thick rod of brass should suffice but yeah, their pressed in there so be prepaired for alot of hammering.

 

There are several awesome videos on youtube that show every step of lower/upper ball joint replacement.

AutoZone has an awesome ball joint press you can rent. Basically you buy the tool, then when your done you return it and receive all your money back. Any of the big auto parts store will rent you that tool. Auto Zone just has a massive tool kit compared to the other guys.

Lowers are replaceable, uppers are not (you buy entire A arm)

Lower is a cake walk if you have correct tools ie: press, joint separator or pickle forks and a good impact gun.

 

i have exact same truck its the upper ball joints that if they are original u cant replace the ball joint by itself,youll have to buy the upper control arm with it (they come together) but afterwards you can just change the uppers without having to buy the control arm.Easiest way to tell is if upper joints have a grease nipple then you can change only the ball joint if no grease nipple then they are original.Lower ball joints are no problem you can change them no problem without having to change control arm.I changed my lower ball joints no problem. good luck.

 

no, you can change aftermarket upper ***** if they were made by MOOG.. There are plenty of aftermarket arms that are just like the originals, but have zerks in the *****. The ball is not replaceable on those arms either.