Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

I have a 2005 Ranger FX4 Level II - everything stock. The alignment was off so I took it to a reputable but pricey shop ($90/hour labor). They want to replace the upper control arm on the driver side. They say the driver side upper ball joint is worn out. They also want to put in a cam kit - they say it is necessary to get the alignment just right. They want $450 to replace the control arm and put in the cam kit (parts and labor). Plus another $70 for alignment.

I have a buddy at work who says he will just replace the driver side upper ball joint for the price of the part ($20 - $30) plus $100 labor.

The question is:
1) Can you really just press out the ball joint on a stock upper control arm?
2) Do you really need the cam kit installed to get the alignment just right?

Thanks for your time

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

Bump!

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

Not the upper. Upper control arm is replaced as an assembly.
Lower control arm has a pressed in ball joint with an internal snap ring.

2nd question others will have to answer. I've never heard of a cam kit. You want your alignment brought within spec. So whats is this "just right" stuff? Alignment on all four wheels should cost 120 bucks max.

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

the cam kit helps alot and its easier to get it aligned.

the upper control arm is one whole piece you.

i don't know what your friend is smokin but you aren't going to find that for 20 - 30 dollars. IMO if your going to replace one bc its bad might as well place them all bc if that one went out the others are on their way.

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

Ball joints run like $20-30, so my friend was basing his prices on that - not on the price of the entire upper control arm. I ended up just having a shop do it since they already had me on the hook for $50.

I skipped the camber kit - couldn't afford it. The shop wanted $90 for the camber kit plus another $90 in labor. I've seen them on the internet for like $30 - $40, so that is like 300% mark up on what is basically some really nice bolts. Do all shops do this? They also tried to charge me $25 for 'Shop Supplies' but I talked them out of that BS.

I am not going back to that shop. They are local, not some big chain. After asking around some more they are known for doing good work but trying to nickle and dime you to death.

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

the camber kit is like 50 dollars or so on rockauto. i put my upper control arms and lower ball joints on with the camber kit and then took it to get aligned. it wasn't to hard just time consuming.

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

I got an alignment estimate from BigO tire today. 2 camber kits ($90 ea). 2 hrs install ($90/hr). 1 alignment ($65). plus tax, etc. total = $450.00. I didnt have the cash plus was in sticker shock, so I'm checking this out myself. Seems like their est is on par with yours.

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

I did this myself, part cost $135. You'll need 15mm wrench/socket to unbolt the top sindle bolt that holds the ball joint to the spindle. Bolts on upper control arm are tight to get to but I was able to air wrench them off. I bought mine at auto zone. New upper control are comes with grease fitting. Stacey
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Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

the shop i get my truck worked on wants 800 bucks to replace my ball joints! >=[

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

Shops will do that BS. My cam kit that i had to buy was only 25 bucks but the shop wanted 195$ to install it, so I bought it and put it on myself.

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

I dont mean to hijack the thread but what exactly does the cam kit do and what is it all for?

Should I get it or what? thanks, Zach.

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

read the thread. Already been covered. But aftermarket cam kits have 6 adjustment points on them to align the vehicle in perfectly. These come in really handy to our rangers due our TTB suspension.

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

Im confused guys. Both NAPA , Rock Auto, and Autozone sell individual upper ball joints for coil spring suspenion for my 99 2wd ranger. They tell me it will fit the original control arm. All I have to do it press the old one out and press the new one in. I am in the process of taking the control arm out of my ranger.. Any help??

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

on 98, 99 and 2000 you should be able to just replace the upper ball joint. it should have a snap ring on it?.......

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start a new thread and you will get a lot of good advice........

if you remove the upper control arm to replace the BJ drive the truck right to an alignment shop or you will destroy your tires

Re: Ball Joint Replacement Question
 

I know this is an old thread. BUT for any future readers, a cam kit can be picked up online for $20 or so. Buy the round ones not the funky shaped ones, and YES they are necessary for proper alignment if you have cranked your torsion bars and possibly if you changed tire size.
And you can buy upper ball joints, generally speaking if you can buy it is replaceable without changing the entire arm.

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Also I would like to say NEVER EVER trust a big O tire store, especially a franchise one, they are notorious for lieing to people to get them to pay for parts they do not need.