Submitted by Name: novice From: Hampton, VA E-mail: Contact
Comments: The best write-up on ball joint replacement. It has very good detail info and with excellent pictures making the job of replacing the ball joints a lot easier.
Only complaint I have is the instruction to make the tool is incorrect. I found out after an hour of grinding to the 3-3/16 diameter as recommended in the write-up, the diameter is too small (this diameter incidently fit the back side which is no use). I had to go to the store and got another flange and 40min later I had the right tool.
Despite the setback, I am much grateful for the instructions which took all the guess work away. I saved enough money to replace a much needed set of tires on my wife's car. Thank you.
Admin reply: Thanks for the comment on the diameter of your seal being different. Mine was 3-3/16", but I will note for folks to measure prior to grinding. As with all things on this site; the procedures listed here are just how I did it.
Added: October 21, 2009
Submitted by Name: Chris From: Houston E-mail: Contact
Comments: Even though i wasnt using this to replace my ball joints i used it for replacing my wheel bearing hubs and axle seals. great post found everything i needed and more even made the tool to the axle seals. you wouldnt happen to have one on replace your glow plugs and fuel injectors well one could only hope. thanks again for the great info!!
Admin reply: Thanks for posting Chris. I am actually in the middle of a wheel bearing/hub article. It should be up later this month.
Added: October 5, 2009
Submitted by Name: ryoung From: New Jersey E-mail: Contact
Comments: I read the article before starting and it made me feel less stressed about doing the job. Awesome write up, thanks!
Admin reply: Glad to help. Thanks for posting.
Added: October 4, 2009
Submitted by Name: Todd From: Fortuna, CA E-mail: Contact
Comments: Fantastic write-up. I just followed it step by step - all the info you need is right here. I made the special seal tool - took about 10 minutes with the grinder and about $15 at Ace hardware. The only shocker was when I got the parts at the local Ford dealer - over $800 (that's not a typo) just for the minimal required stuff. Oh well - you saved me a ton in labor costs. Much thanks.
Admin reply: Thanks Todd. It sounds like the dealer didn't do you any favors on the pricing. Glad my article was helpful.
Added: October 4, 2009
Submitted by Name: Tim From: St Paul, MN E-mail: Contact
Comments: Thanks for the awesome post. Unfortunately I'm at a standstill. the axle dustseal that the dealer gave me matches the part# that you have listed, but I'll be damned if it won't fit into my axle housing (tube). #F81Z-1S175-HCA. Although it does fit on the axle. The OD seems to be either too large or to small. I've already been back to the dealer once to confirm that it is the right part. Any help would be appreciated as right now I'm halfway though!!! 2004 f350 cc 4x4 6.0 srw sb
Admin reply: The dust seal (F81Z-1S175-HCA) does not really fit inside the axle tube. It just slides on the axle. I seems counter-intuitive the way it seats against the axle tube because it does not seal very well, but that is how it goes. Good luck.
Added: October 1, 2009
Submitted by Name: doug From: shingle springs california E-mail: Contact
Comments: This was perfect I have this same truck and is what I did to do the job Excellent pictures and explaination thanks
Admin reply: Thanks for taking the time to post this feedback Doug.
Added: September 24, 2009
Submitted by Name: knee deep in a jeep From: pollock,la E-mail: Contact
Comments: this is an excellent post. if you cant rebuild it reading this you need to stay out of it.
Admin reply: Thanks for posting.
Added: September 23, 2009
Submitted by Name: Brent From: Michigan E-mail: Contact
Comments: wow, your write up made my job a whole lot quicker and faster on my 2001 superduty, I decided to go to lowes and buy everything to make your seal installer design. Worked great and cost only $ 18 bucks, and a good half hour of grinding on the floor flange. I went one step further and pulled the abs wire out to the wheel bearing hub and forced grease down into the hub (another tip online that i had read). thanks again
Admin reply: Glad to help Brent. Thanks for posting.
Comments: I am a Caterpillar tech, I think that you should write instructions for them also. I found that your instructions were very helpful.Thanks so much. Darryl
Admin reply: Thanks Darryl. I am glad you found the article useful.
Added: September 7, 2009
Submitted by Name: superdutypsd.com webmaster
Comments: Thanks to all the recent posters! I appreciate you feedback!!
Name: novice
From: Hampton, VA
E-mail: Contact
The best write-up on ball joint replacement. It has very good detail info and with excellent pictures making the job of replacing the ball joints a lot easier.
Only complaint I have is the instruction to make the tool is incorrect. I found out after an hour of grinding to the 3-3/16 diameter as recommended in the write-up, the diameter is too small (this diameter incidently fit the back side which is no use). I had to go to the store and got another flange and 40min later I had the right tool.
Despite the setback, I am much grateful for the instructions which took all the guess work away. I saved enough money to replace a much needed set of tires on my wife's car. Thank you.
Admin reply: Thanks for the comment on the diameter of your seal being different. Mine was 3-3/16", but I will note for folks to measure prior to grinding. As with all things on this site; the procedures listed here are just how I did it.