2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ball Joints - Dealer Replacement

[LarryG]

I guess after reading the threads on ball joints, I was a little disappointed, but not too surprised when the truck failed inspection at 51,000 miles due to upper/lower right ball joints. The kind of amazing part of this story is in the fixing. I don't know any mechanics that I trust so I called the dreaded dealer where I bought the truck - the same place I said I would probably never go back to for service. Their set up is too fancy for my liking - "blue teams and "red teams" for service. a fancy place to pull in to drop it off, too many people involved (You never see the person you dropped it off with when you pick it up, just the cashier who immediately sucks the funds out of your checking account when you hand them a personal check). Lots of apparent overhead. They quoted my $639 +/- over the phone when I called to make the appointment. When I picked it up the bill was $626+. What gives? No extras? No explanation availabe from the cashier who looked like she graduated high school the day before. There was a note on the invoice that they had discivered a stripped bolt - don't know which one - but obviously done at the Mexican factory, because the truck hasn't been touched by anybody except for the lift pump replacement under warrantee at 45 miles. Anybody else seen stripped connectors from the factory? Should I expose the name of a dealership that didn't try to rip me off at the getgo? And also, yet another voice called today as a follow up to see if I was happy with my treatment. More overhead. I wonder what the bill might have been had a grease stained invoice been handed to me by the guy that did the work... . Oh well, at least it's employment for my fellow Americans, seein' as how we can't make these vehicles in the first place.

 

[diesel DOG]

Be happy that is cheap it cost me 1809 because the hubs would not come off in one reuseable piece.



No chance of me buying one not made here. 63 years later the country is flooded with Japanese cars after 3288 deaths at Pearl Harbor. FDR should have a look around now. :--) I like the truck but after the ball joints at 59,000 not real thrilled. Few other problems like cab leaks, lift pump, transmission the only thing I trust is the motor. Only reason I would even considered a Dodge. Really a Chevy person but as some of them are made in Mexico I believe, correct me if I'm wrong I may go Ford next year. I have an 04 Excursion which has a sticker made in Kentucy and the 01 Dodge made in St. Louis. I'd rather look at the stickers even if they die and leave me stranded than some thing made outside the USA. At least I employed someone here. I am looking at a medium duty trucks which is even more confusing Sorry for the rant. My dealer told me track bar and Pitman arm were shot. Liar Liar Pants on Fire to him. :-{} I can't imagine running this truck off road, how long would they last then?

 

[Batman]

Larry,



I did mine at about the same mileage. It's a PITA with 4 wheel drive. Seems like a good price.



BTW, if your looking for service, close to you, with someone you can trust... ... ..... give Scott @ Massdiesel a call, he's in Walpole. He doesn't only do transmissions.

George

 

[WMonroe]

I thought Ford also made all their light duty trucks in Mexico now? Someone will let me know if I'm wrong but I thought they switched all production there about two or three years ago.

Will

 

[LarryG]

Thanks. When you say you did yours, did you do them yourself? I looked at the manual and decided it was something I didn't want to tackle when I needed the truck the next week. Does the axle have to be removed, or just the universal?

 

[Batman]

Yes, the axles had to come out. (I'm assuming you have a 4x4)

Yes, I did them myself (with help from a friend)

The hub assembly is tough to get off, plus you need an axle nut socket, ball joint press, lift is very helpful... ... ...



HTH

George

 

[diesel DOG]

I thought Ford also made all their light duty trucks in Mexico now? Someone will let me know if I'm wrong but I thought they switched all production there about two or three years ago.

Will

F650 & 750 are made in Mexico Super Duties in Kentucy