Ball Joint Question... (and other front-end issues)
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Professional
Joined: Mar 2008
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So, it sounds like a lot of work and the estimate I got might be accurate...
I don't know... $800 for one lower ball joint and a couple tie rod ends seemed high to me.
So, does the control arm have to come out as part of the procedure of replacing the lower BJ? Should I ask them to do the bushings while it is apart?
I don't know... $800 for one lower ball joint and a couple tie rod ends seemed high to me.
No springs on a 4wd...
The lowers are pretty difficult but the uppers aren't bad at all as long as you have a pickle fork. I took mine to a shop to do the lowers. The shop did both lower ball joints, the control arm bushings, and one of the half shafts for $800. It's a lot of money but they did a lot. Doing control arm bushings isn't easy either.
The lowers are pretty difficult but the uppers aren't bad at all as long as you have a pickle fork. I took mine to a shop to do the lowers. The shop did both lower ball joints, the control arm bushings, and one of the half shafts for $800. It's a lot of money but they did a lot. Doing control arm bushings isn't easy either.
Record Breaker
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: NW suburbs of Chicago, IL
The control arms do not need to come off to do the lower ball joint. Doing the bushings would be going a step further. However, judging by your mileage, best to do it while you're there.
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Professional
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I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to do the upper ball joint too, while everthing is already apart. I might be best just to button up that whole side while the shop has it apart.
It sounds like a lot to tackle on my own. I think I'm going to let them do it...
Champion
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Gilbert, Arizona
well if you have the money but?
You save a lot of money doing it yourself a shop will ding you on the parts price as well as the labor they will add about 20% to all parts needed.
Do it yourself and save about $900 to $1300 if you add in the other needed stuff
Its hard but not overly complicated just make sure you dont rush the job and if you can get a friend to lend a hand that helps.
I find if you have a digital camera take shots of everything before and as you go helps in reinstalling things back and you can post them.
Do it yourself and save about $900 to $1300 if you add in the other needed stuff
Its hard but not overly complicated just make sure you dont rush the job and if you can get a friend to lend a hand that helps.
I find if you have a digital camera take shots of everything before and as you go helps in reinstalling things back and you can post them.
Last edited by 98DAKAZ; Sep 9, 2011 at 05:43 PM.