replacing ball joints on an Excursion

signmansez · 11-05-2009, 06:14 AM

Just did the ball joints and tie rod ends on my F150 and of course my neighbor was nosing around a bit while I was knuckles deep in the project.

It was a pretty simple project and he now has asked me to help him do the ball joints on his 2003 2WD 7.3 Excursion.

I have not looked at the suspension yet but know it is a bit different than the F150. From searching the web, the ball joint removal and install looks about the same.

Anything to look out for or any tips?

Thanks in advance.

fishingfun · 11-05-2009, 08:11 AM

If you go to the library they have manuals on most cars and trucks.

HeadHunt · 11-05-2009, 08:16 AM

Replace with Moog greaseable ball joints. The ford ones are junk. You will have to get a little creative to make room for the zerk fitting. Alot of info. at the diesel stop about this. I paid a guy to do mine.

davidd · 11-05-2009, 08:42 AM

Alot of good info with photos here http://www.ford-trucks.com/

beenie · 11-05-2009, 09:37 AM

2nd the Moog.

centuarynick · 11-05-2009, 08:49 PM

cake walk on a 2WD anything take the caliper and rotor off knock the knuckle off take over to a vise and pound the old ball joints out and press the new ones in .. i mean pound as in useing a BFH screw the press to get the old ones out ... lol

DreamWeaver21 · 11-08-2009, 06:52 AM

I did them on a 2001 F250 4WD. Wasn't too bad, but getting all the seals was a pain. 2WD will be easier. Not sure what centuarynick has against a ball joint press? They are free to rent at most auto parts strores and they work.

On mine I ended up having to go buy a couple of sockets I didn't have (21mm I think and it seems like one other too.)

welder · 11-08-2009, 07:53 AM

I wouldn't touch " My neighbors Front end " as I would probably be sued in the near future .

Don't mind working on my own , BUUUUUUUUUUUUT.