Ford Repair: E-250 Ball Joints, lower ball joints, wheel spindle

Question
Hi Erik,
I need to replace the lower ball joints on my 2002 E-250, V-6, auto trans. I can't find it any manual. I had it apart, had the rotor off, the bushing out of the top ball joint, and the the tie rod disconnected, but I can't figure out how to remove either just the lower ball joint or the whole A-frame. Any help would be appreciated.

Rick

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
Removal:
Remove the front wheel spindle.
Position the front wheel spindle in a vise, and remove the snap ring from the lower ball joint.
CAUTION: To avoid damage to the components, do not use heat to aid ball joint removal. Using the U-Joint Tool and appropriate Receiver Cup, remove the lower ball joint from the front wheel spindle.
Using the U-Joint Tool and appropriate Receiver Cup, remove the upper ball joint.
Installation
CAUTION: To avoid damage to components, do not use heat to aid installation. NOTE: The upper ball joint must be installed first. Using the U-Joint Tool and appropriate Ball Joint Adapter, install the upper ball joint.
Using the U-Joint Tool and appropriate Ball Joint Adapter, install the lower ball joint.
Install the snap ring in the groove at the bottom of the ball joint.
Install the front wheel spindle.


Spindle Removal:
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
Remove the brake disc shield.
Disconnect the tie rod end using the Pitman Arm Puller.
Remove the cotter pin and the lower ball joint nut. Discard the cotter pin.
Remove the pinch bolt and the camber adjuster.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the ball joint seal and the ball joint socket, do not use a pickle fork-type remover to loosen the ball joints. Remove the front wheel spindle.
1 Strike the lower end of the front axle to loosen the ball joint.
2 Remove the front wheel spindle.

Installation
NOTE: Tighten the ball joint nut further, if necessary, in order to insert the new cotter pin. Install the front wheel spindle in the front axle.
1 Position the front wheel spindle in the front axle.
2 Install the ball joint nut.
3 Install a new cotter pin.
Install the camber adjuster and pinch bolt.
Install the brake disc shield, brake disc and hub and the disc brake caliper.
Using a new cotter pin, install the tie rod end in the front wheel spindle.
Install the tire and wheel assembly.
Check the toe setting.

Hope this helps,
Erik