Replacing Ball Joints

[EdgarF3]

I recently put a new set of tires on my truck. (2003 Silverado 1500 4x4) After the new tires were put on I went to get an alignment on my truck. Well, they told me they couldn't align it because all 4 ball joints had gone bad. (Upper and Lower on both sides) So I figured I'd just buy the new ball joints and, with some help, install them myself to save some cash. They said I might have to replace the upper control arms since the upper ball joints are connected to them but they weren't for sure with every specific vehicle. So i was wondering if anybody knows if it is possible to just replace all the ball joints with out having to buy new control arms also. I researched and found that they do sell the upper ball joints separate. But I have heard Yes's and No's to just replacing the ball joints without replacing the upper control arms also. Any tips, answers?

[anumber1]

The ball joints are pressed in. You are going to need a press to remove and install the lowers.

 

Buying new upper control arms does save pressing the upper ball joints in/out and provides new bushings. Worth the money imho.

[sahls01gmc]

Go to Rockauto, and buy the new control arms. Well worth the money.