I'm heavily conflicted on if I should do my own ball joints or pay someone. I can get all the appropriate tools from auto zone.
I know its going to suck, and probably not any fun.
I'm working with a 2wd.

 

It'll sure save some money. I paid to have mine done, but I'm a chicken when it comes to that level of maintenance.

 

Are your ball joint's pressed in or riveted on? Mine is 2wd and they are riveted, but I don't know if it's the same for an '05.

 

Pressed. Theyre attached to a tab with rivets though!

 

From what I've found the upper ball joint and control arm is a one piece deal, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Looks like the bottom one just press in and out.

The bottom won't be too bad if you rent a ball joint press, if you gotta replace the control arm up top you might need an alignment afterward, not sure how that's designed to work.

Maybe somebody else will chime in.

Unless you got some spare cash laying around I'd do it myself, it's not too bad a job.

 

Double checked in my manual and its definitely pressed.
I'd like to do the upper & lower at the same time along with shocks.
And definitely an alignment after.

 

Welp you can rent everything from need from just about any part's store. I'm cheap and bought DuraLast ball joint's for my truck, they are holding up great, no complaint's.

Do one side at a time and hit an alignment shop when your done.

 

My criteria for whether i will do the work myself or pay a shop to do it is as follows:

1. Do i have the tools or can i easily get ALL the tools required?

2. Does the truck need to be on a lift for the work? I live on a sloped street and have a sloped driveway. So jacking my truck safely is an issue.

3. Does the potential for a part to break upon removal or be EXTREMELY difficult to remove without air powered impact tools and/or a torch exist? If so, i will not do it myself. The money you are trying to save will be offset by having to have your truck towed or having someone come to you to fix the mess.

4. How much time do you have and do you have a second vehicle to go for parts and/or get to work if you cannot finish the truck in time?

5. Does the work require any special knowledge i don't have? many shop manuals do not cover tricks to do certain jobs and few have detailed photo's.