I noticed both my upper balljoints have no grease boots. I don't know how long either. They are riveted in place with pressed studs. anyone ever remove them ?. can the studs just be grinded off ? I see replacement balljoints in various auto part stores. The stupid haynes book says to replace the whole upper control arm with a new balljoint. screw that. I prefer to replace both upper and lower while I got the spindel removed.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

Yes they can be grinded off...

what year is your truck and how many miles do you have? You might be able to get it done by the dealership for free, since there was a recall/extended warranty on the ball joints.

 

For some reason, I bet he's got a '98 sport, lol.

Yes, you can replace just the ball-joint.
At work (I don't work on vehicles), we typically drill out rivets, but however you get the rivet out is up to you.

 

yes it's a 98 sport. 2.5L engine 74,000 miles

 

Easiest way to get out the rivets is to heat them up with a torch or knock them out with an air chisel.

 

they are easy if you have the proper tools


like cookin with gasoline