F 350 2WD Pickup V8-460 7.5L VIN G EFI (1997)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Ball Joint, Lower
Fig. 13 Checking Lower Ball Joint For Ware
Prior to performing any inspection of front suspension lower arm ball joints or front suspension upper ball joints, adjust the front wheel bearings.
1. Raise the vehicle and place safety stands under the I-beam axle beneath the spring.
2. Have an assistant grasp the lower edge of the tire and move the wheel in and out.
3. While the wheel is being moved, observe the lower spindle arm and the lower part of the axle jaw. A 0.794-mm (1/32-inch) or greater movement
between the lower portion of the I-beam and the lower spindle arm indicates that the front suspension lower arm ball joint must be replaced.
4. To check the front suspension upper ball joints, grasp the upper edge of the tire and move the wheel in and out. A 0.794-mm (1/32-inch) or
greater movement between the upper spindle arm and the upper portion of the I-beam indicates that the front suspension upper ball joint must be
replaced.