Auto Parts: Ball joint replacement, ball joints, ford f150

Question
Hi Mike,

Is it possible to replace the ball joints without replacing the control arms (upper and lower) as well on a 2002 Ford F150 pickup? Thanks.

Answer
    Yes, definitely.  I don't know if Ford sells them separately, but Moog and everyone else does.  They are held in with lock rings, something that Ford has been doing on all of their trucks for a long time.  Originally they did it just on twin I-beams, but now on this truck as well.  Now, you might have to remove the control arm from the truck in order to change the joint, that is possible.  Although the lock ring is technically all that holds the ball joint in place, I can tell you from experience that the corrosion that forms between the ball joint and the metal of the control arm can make removal very difficult.  They do make a tool for that, though, and any front-end shop will have one.