suspension repair

[stonemaster]

tried the search function and still need some advice
first off i am pretty good mechanically, I work mostly on motorcycles though and this is a little new
I went to get an alignment and was informed i need 2 lower ball joints and the right outer control arm replaced, I didnt like the price :eeeeeek:
so I will probably DIY it, I do have a Ford Manual on the way I'm checking parts and any numbers/links would help, what is degree of difficulty ?? any special tools needed and if so can i make them (I've done that several times on the bikes)? I do see a disparity in parts prices, and pointers on that any advice/knowledge would be helpful

thanx

[Festiva_Fred]

It's easy to replace the LCA's, and the ''lower ball joint'' is part of the LCA so I'm no sure what whoever looked at it is talking about when they said you need two lower ball joints and right outer control arm?! Anyways you'll need a 14mm, 17mm iirc and prybar. It's self explanitary once you tear into it, hear are some pics I took while I had one of mine apart. Hope this helps explain things.

Old swaybar bushings






Swaybar prepped w/new MOOG bushings.




New escort tie rod ends


Newer LCA's and sway bar bushings installed.

[stonemaster]

so as long as I'm at it u would recommend the sway bar bushings as well ????

[denguy]

Try ebay for parts.

[sc72]

I replaced the LCA's yesterday and the bushings came in the package with the LCA's, a tip, when re installing the LCA, slide it onto the swaybar, then bolt it to the chassis, this only works if you do not remove the sway bar from the car. Good luck.

[Festiva_Fred]

I replaced the LCA's yesterday and the bushings came in the package with the LCA's, a tip, when re installing the LCA, slide it onto the swaybar, then bolt it to the chassis, this only works if you do not remove the sway bar from the car. Good luck.

Agreed, I just had my swaybar off because I swapped the stock one for a aspire one, and if you don't get new bushings with your LCA's I would recommend getting them while you are there.

[MasterTec]

Yeah these are pretty simple

[stonemaster]

thanx guys i got the parts on the way