2004 F350 Ball Joint Replacement? - Diesel Forum

brettrose99 · 09-13-2009, 06:25 PM

I am replacing the ball joints on a 2004 F350 4x4.... A standard Pickle (ball joint removal) fork doesn't fit the lower ball joint to remove from truck.. Right? Or am I just a retard? What size Pickle fork seperator do i need? I have seen them ranging from 15/32" to 1 1/16".. Any help is greatly appreciated! I need to get this truck up and running in one day to make a haul from FL to AK, my new place or residence... Thanks in advance!

brettrose99 · 09-13-2009, 06:26 PM

And any pointers anyone can share on this installation... This is the first time I have ventured down the road of ball joint replacement... Thanks

fordsforever73 · 09-13-2009, 06:46 PM

A pickle fork is more for tie-rod removal. You need a ball joint press for ball joints. The press is for pressing the joint out of(and new ones into) the knuckle, not removing the knuckle from the axle. A brass hammer works good for removing knuckle from the axle. What I do is remove the nut from bottom ball joint and loosen nut from top one, so that the top nut is only "hanging on" by 2 or 3 threads. Then I hit the top ball joint with hammer a couple of times. Then I turn knuckle to one side (tie-rod removed) and wail one the bottom stud of ball joint until it pops. Using a brass hammer will keep anything from getting damaged, as the brass is softer than metal. Keeping the top nut on partially, will keep the knuckle from falling onto the ground (or a part of your body). then simply remove top nut and slide knuckle off. If you don't have access to a ball joint press you can probably rent one from a parts store. Hope this helps.

F250crazy · 09-13-2009, 07:23 PM

I have done these many times. As stated above you have to remove the spindle from the truck. They do make a wider fork for seperating the ball joints. I have one for tie rod ends and one for ball joints. Be careful when installing the axle through the spindle. I have seen some damaged inner axle seals come from people being rough with the install of the axle. I always use a little bearing grease on the inner end. It is best to do all four at one time since you have the spindles off. Normally the lower goes bad. I am doing mine this week. You will not be able to beat the ball joints out. A ball joint press is needed. If you want I can talk you through it pm me your number and we can go over it.

brettrose99 · 09-13-2009, 07:56 PM

The problem I am having is getting the Spindle off.. I have been beating this thing all day now! I have got the upper to pop but the bottom will not budge. I have been unable too find a parts dealer around that has the larger pickle fork. and since it's Sunday most closed by the time I figured this out. I have the Ball joint removal fork but won't fit around the lower ball joint. I did rent a press and adapters. The axle Knuckle seal; any tricks to getting this on? Should I install on axle first or in the knuckle?... Again, thank you so much for you help!!!... F250Crazy I will pm my number and I really appreciate your help. Unfortunately, it's raining like hell here in S.Fl and I have no garage so work is done until tomorrow morning, get with you then. Thanks!

F250crazy · 09-13-2009, 08:34 PM

I dont know if you have advance auto parts or auto zone there but they should have the fork available. I normally put the nut on top ball joint a couple of threads and smack the spindle on the side where the ball joint goes through and they normally drop. As far as the axle you will have a dust type seal behind the ujoint. This seals nothing but to keep debris and dirt from going in the tube. The seal I am refering to is down in the differential tube. After installing the spindle slide the axle through the spindle as straight as you can. You will not be able to hold it straight the whole way in. This is where the grease comes in handy on the end of the axle that goes into diff. You will feel it slide in the diff and lock in place. Dont beat it as this might disturb the seal. If the seal is damaged the gear set will have to be removed because the seal is put in from that side. You will be fine if you take your time. After your repair drive the truck around a bit making sure you turn in circles like in a parking lot and come back and check for any gear oil leaking from behind the ujoints on the front axles. There should be none.