The upper ball joints usually wear out long before the bottom ones. My truck was over 250K mi when I replaced upper and lowers. I found only the uppers really needed replacing. I'd just replace the uppers, then fix the outer tie rod. Hopefully yours are not riveted in.

 

yes, they are riveted... thats whole other issue, im in an apartment and not easy access to AC to use for a grinder i hope i can find to borrow.

 

I use a chisel to knock the heads off the rivets, then a punch to drive 'em out.

 

RIGHT ON!!! because I have been non stop thinking how am I gonna grind those rivets off, and have not been able to find an answer. Your way by chisel is a great idea!!! I already have a hammer but I think I may try & find a BIGGER hammer and I can get a chisel (probably a few) and I can find a punch.

Im expecting it will be a bit of a work out, there are 3 big rivets, BUT, whats important is that I am confident that I can do it!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Solved my biggest hurdle as far as the ball joint issue!!!

 

I used an angle grinder to cut a plus sign into the rivets, then an air chisel to knock them off, then the punch.

 

well, thats my problem, i dont have electricity avaliable