Balljoint & Control Arm Bushing repalcement?

[Kerpal]

Could someone tell me what's involved in replacing the balljoints and front lower control arm bushings? I've done searches but it seems like there's a lot of different opinions on how to do it right. I'd like to do as much of the work myself as possible, I know it's not really considered a fun job but I'm trying to save money and anyway I like a challenge.

Hopefully I can borrow an air impact to get the control arms off the car, and we have a big press at school that I might be able to use as well. Is it necessary to burn the old bushings and then chisel the shells out, or can I just use the press to pop 'em out? And if they need to be chiseled out can I use an air chisel?

In the case that I can't use the press, is there any way I can get the new parts in without one? If not I'll just take the control arms to the garage down the street, but I'd rather do it myself if possible...

Should I buy balljoints for a '90, or is there a better OEM version that will work on my car? I know the FMS control arms use " '96+ style low friction balljoints" but I don't know if they're literallly '96+ parts or a special adaptation for the fox...

I was planning on going with Moog since they seem like the most reputable aftermarket brand. Are they decent? The OEM stuff is a little pricey... And the bushings will be ES is if makes any difference.

 

[bubba-dough]

For $189/pr from Summit I would just buy the FMS-M-3075-A Ford Racing ones. They are complete with control arm bushings and balljoints (updated balljoints for our foxes). A decent balljoint, around here, is gonna run you $68 each. The control arm bushings are gonna run you $40. Thats $176. I would spend the extra money and get all the parts already together so you just have to bolt on.

 

[Kerpal]

Those FMS arms look like a fair price, but I can get the Moog balljoints for $25 each... and I already have the ES bushings. That's only $90 for parts, and even if I had to have them pressed in for $20-50, that's still $50-80 saved... which as a broke college student is worth the trouble. :\

 

[SilverFox90]

ball joints are relitively easy. just rent the ball joint press from autozone and it only takes around an hour or so...

 

[DMAN302]

Really easy..takes some time and muscle, but well worth the effort.
http://members.shaw.ca/Notchmustang/Balljoint.html

 

[88_GT_5_oh]

do your ball joinmt before this happens, i had to change mine in a parking lot

 

[HISSIN50]

If someone can find the 3075's in stock, let me know!

 

[Kerpal]

Awesome... I saw that page before but forgot to save it. It didn't even occur to me that this would be a good time to change the wheel bearings as well.

Any tips on the bushings?