Question on Ball Joint replacement

[Sirriggs]

The threads in here are limited on information and You Tube seem to be more on 4x4 side. My question is how hard are they to do and are 4x4 pretty much the same? Mine is 2 wheel drive. I noticed when I did new tires my drive side upper has no rubber so it's life is done. Local shop wants $250 plus alignment no including the parts ( That's one side). That was my quote from them. I can get a set from Amazon (Detroit) for less then local auto part stores so my thinking was to save cash and do the job on my own but this would be my first time. I did order the tool set already but I still would need to get a few more tools for it. Is this worth it? They have been changed in the past but that person moved so it either me or a local shop.

My question is hopw bad of a job is it? Thanks

 

[Sirriggs]

Haven't seen a lot of action here on the forum but that's ok. I did my first ball joint upper and lower toady and it wasn't too bad. Bottom went right in and top gave me some issue but other wise it's done and now to put back together. I was in no rush since this was my first time. Figure I am just going to do both sides so I don't have to worry about that for awhile. They came out pretty easy and I cleaned and lubed before I put the new ones in. Yes, I made sure they came with grease fittings.lol.

Next will do the tie rod ends. Been doing some reading and watching videos on it and know to do a before and after measurements to get them a close as possible. Then take it to have alignment done.

Ball joints did need replacement. I am guess from sitting so long. Boots were pretty gone. A lot of what I am doing is pretty much preventive maintenance and knowing they are in good shape.

Here is some pictures. Excuse the upper. It wasn't done when taken.