2003 Ford F-150 2WD front suspension rebuild - removal and installation

2003 Ford F-150 2WD front suspension rebuild - removal and installation
Buy rebuild kit here: amzn.to/3w6Moa9
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#detriotaxel #fordF-150 #frontsuspension
How To Replace Front Upper & Lower Ball Joints Tie Rods & Sway Bar Links On 97-2003 2WD Ford-F150
DISCLAIMER
Due to the factors out of control by ATEM OFFROAD, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information ATEM OFFROAD assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injuries incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk . ATEM OFFROAD recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen in this video, any injury damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools equipment or from the information contained in this video
Is the sole responsibility of the user and not ATEM OFFROAD. Be Safe
This video and description contains affiliate links which means if you click on one of these product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@clayhuston3520]

Well done! All of the considerations that must be taken into account (positioning, measurements, etc.) to keep from having issues later. And thank you for not playing music in the video while you work! Best i've seen! Thank you for it!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you for watching, very much appreciated! Just having way too much fun ! 🍻

[@shutupandtakethisjab]

I'll second this comment!

[@nas2838]

So simple no bullshit in between. Thank you for the video brotha. I'm restoring my 2002 ford 150 and this video helped a lot.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

That’s going to be a fun restoration, thanks for watching! Cheers

[@direwolf_z1]

dude i am preparing to do this job on my 2000 F150 and i really appreciate the clear and concise step by step...best video out of the 4 i have watched....well done my friend and thank you!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching, I appreciate it 🍻

[@garrball9205]

Such a good video... more action less talking... straight up great and well done. Very helpful. Thank you so much... you made this job so much easier for me! Including torque specs is a very helpful addition!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Just picked up the truck from the alignment shop and everything went well. This shop uses Hawk eye Elite alignment equipment, right away the service tech recommended the eccentric pivot arm bolt kit prior to the alignment, this was a no brainer, since in the video I recommend bolt replacement, so we went ahead and did that as well as the alignment! Totaling around $200 for the job! Super happy with the outcome and was able to Save a Ton of money with this DIY repair! Cheers and thanks for watching

[@S_Carolina_Pyro864]

Thanks for the sub bro 👍🏾👍🏾💥💥

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

S_Carolina_Pyro864 nice, I like fireworks! Cheers

[@chrish42085]

Man your video is the best thing! Thank you for taking the time to share. Very much appreciated and needed.

[@josephmcmonagle5901]

Is that Detroit Axle kit still holding up or did you have to do it again yet?

[@cee5773]

Lol saw your hammer fall at 5:15 . Great video man you smooth with it made it look easy for a pea brain like me.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching I appreciate it 🍻

[@verrettlasatt7909]

Thank you so much my man!! I just recieved 14 pc front end kit, this video is better than i could of hoped for to assist me with installation, thank you so much for mentioning all tool sizes and specs!!!!!!!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching I appreciate it 🍻

[@riskybizness1016]

Just replaced all these parts yesterday using my Detroit axle kit. Your video helped tremendously. 2003 ford f150 2wd with 300k miles. Been riding rough for a while, hopefully this smooths out my ride. Getting alignment today.

[@jordanjohnson5784]

How'd it end up going? Did it improve your ride??

[@jesusmejia1334]

@@jordanjohnson5784I’m sure he’s enjoying his new and improved smooth ride 😂

[@gorilasanchez3152]

good job, you saved a few hundred dollars repair you self, now I have lot work to do in my ford toys 🙊😅 , tanks 4 you video 👌

[@seanc6468]

My buddy chills under the truck when I'm working on it too. 🤣

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

She’s an awesome dog ! She loves hanging out! Thanks for watching

[@keithskustoms2311]

When tightening things down, you are supposed to tighten the control arm bolts with the weight on the suspension.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

That is absolutely correct, I took this truck to an alignment shop they replaced all those bolts and did the alignment anyway! But yes you are correct. Thanks for watching

[@gergimmal5312]

Excellent video ! I love all details I watch most videos of mechanics and it's a guessing game keep up the good work !

[@Tryalil]

This is the perfect video that I’ve been looking for. Thank you so much!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

ADAM2457 💥 nice, thanks you for watching! Cheers

[@garreth629]

Really well done video. I appreciate that you have all the torque specs and even edited them onto the screen. I was a little surprised you didn't have the camber plates for the upper arms, though it looks like you later had them installed by the alignment shop. You definitely did a far better job than most diy mechanic videos on here. Very clear and concise without skipping steps or playing music over what you're saying

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching I appreciate it 🍻

[@nativewear23]

This came on my suggested today. I was changing my rotors and seen the sway bar end link was missing. Your video helped me identify the part and how to replace it!!! Thank you!

[@JasonJPerry]

great video and clear explanation. Including options. Keep em coming

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you 🍻

[@foch3]

Great resource, especially with the specs and sizes. Only thing I would have done different is tighten the upper control arm pivot bolts at ride height.

[@dave-ox2eo]

You told us what size wrench, and put it on the screen! In most videos, stuff like that seems to be neglected or forgotten. Thank you so much for that,!

[@voxan11]

Thanks for the great video. straight forward.

[@MrBrassfield]

Most excellent DIY step by step. You the man!!!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching 🍻

[@bbay1977]

Thanks for posting this. I have been looking for videos for my 03 expedition and the videos I came across are for 4wd and I have a 2wd. This should be the same for my expedition as well. Thanks again.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Should work for you! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@LosBandidosdetampa]

wuaooo Thank you very much for this video for those of us who do not know about mechanics it helps us a lot God bless you and much success in life

[@robertosancnez6822]

the best video in the history of you tube

[@mouton1053]

drops the hammer after 5:11 lol but srsly thx for the tutorial, just rebuilt my 02 f150 suspension.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching 🍻🍻

[@r_crusader_benoit8710]

Awsome job on this vodeo. Exactly how videos should be made.

[@mauricio996064]

Thank you for this video, I thought changing lower ball joint on this truck was hard but you have to remove the knuckle assembly to reach it. Beats pay over $750 at local shop. Thank you I will do this asap 🙏🤜🏽

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Glad this video could help you, thank for sharing and watching buddy 🍻

[@jeffmyers4097]

Nice work! Learned a lot! Getting ready to torque inner/outer tie rods, lower upper control arms. Thank you!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching 🍻

[@ryang7720]

Im just trying to replace the chrome trim piece on the lower bumper. Any easy protocol for that! Awesome video btw!

[@dave-ox2eo]

Oh! And thanks to you commentators, too. I learned some stuff from them, also! 💪🏽👍

[@ALEJANDRORASCON]

how much will this improve sloppy steering/ great video very professional much appreciated.

[@1keykneedeep]

Great video. Very thorough.

[@MarkRuckh]

Great video and very helpful. Only thing I would have liked to see is the torque values for the bolts.

[@glevernmv]

Thanks for the Video. It was very helpful and not a lot of unnecessary talking like most people do on You Tube!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you for watching, I appreciate it ! Cheers

[@renec0327]

Good explanation man thanks a lot I’m going to try it by myself cause I tired hearing that noise

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Nice 👍🏼 Thanks for watching I appreciate it 🍻

[@S_Carolina_Pyro864]

Man you made this vid right on point 👍🏾I bought the exact kit I'm on jack stands at this very moment. Only difference I didn't use the lower ball joints that came with the kit. I went with the Moog lower joints. I'm lowered and sitting on 24's glad you posted this. You didn't skip a single thing. All the other vids were 🗑 liked and sub'ed as well bro👍🏾👍🏾💥💥

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

S_Carolina_Pyro864 💥 nice, appreciate it! Thanks for watching, cheers buddy!

[@S_Carolina_Pyro864]

@@ATEMOFFROAD NP and thank you you wouldn't believe how many vids I've watched. If yours would have been up earlier I would've only had to watch one. 👍🏾👍🏾💥💥

[@stevenshelley9345]

That was Awsome Grasshopper I should have did what you did just by the complete front suspension for the $100 instead of buying the separate parts is what I did the end results should come out the same but at a higher part price for me and I will be adding a 3" knuckle lift to my build thanks fo r sharing 👍😉appreciate it happy fathers day to you and all🍺🍺

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching buddy, and happy Father’s Day to you too 🍻

[@jesusmejia1334]

An easier way to match up your tie rods when replacing them is when removing them simply count the revolutions it takes to thread them off. Then thread them on via # amount of spins.

[@javierprado6545]

Thank you for posting this

[@andref713]

How have these parts acted over time, any issues? Great video. Best I've seen so far.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Still working well on the truck , dad drives it no complaints 🍻

[@andref713]

@@ATEMOFFROAD perfect, thanks for your reply.

[@eltanguitas1492]

Is it still running smooth?

[@MrValenterodriguez]

Great excellent explanation very detailed 👍🏻

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Welcome to the channel, thanks for watching 🍻

[@MakaylaMoody-l5r]

Is it a hub assembly or a steering knuckle

[@jacobwaters9087]

This guy is a badass

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for joining me on this repair today 🍻

[@Brian-fo8sh]

Great video!! New subscriber. One thing, I’m a little confused o the marking you made on the upper control arm brackets or bolts. Thx.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

That was so I know where to put the new arms as close to where the original ones were

[@1978Trevino]

Awesome specialty tools

[@Digz1121]

Will these steps be the same on a 2003 4x4 F-150?

[@vg007v7]

Very well done video, explained everything step by step clearly. Very informative as well buddy congrats. One question how do you know when to replace front shocks, do you recommend replacing them if needed while doing this?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

This truck had very low mileage, so it didn’t need them, but it would be a great time to do them as well if you are already there.

[@Lethalrain221]

About how long should this take from start to finish? Plan on doing mine in 2 weeks. I also have an impact, and other tools you used in this video.

[@valerietaylor9126]

Need to do my 1995 f150 was told needed hub bearings aswell

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Nice , I have video for that too , thanks for watching

[@909Lewser]

Are you supposed to load your suspension before tightening

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Yes , but this happens at the alignment shop. So you will want to tighten them to get you down there

[@trux91ify]

Wow excellent video. Thank you so much for your help

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching!

[@bigbigby4657]

Good video dude, appreciate it!👍

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching 🍻

[@rynowilli6231]

Good job explaining dam easy

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching I appreciate it! Cheers

[@karinash9373]

Absolutely great video! I plan on grabbing a kit and changing everything as well. But I’m also gonna change the idler arm & pitman too. Is there anything else I should look for to change while I’m down there? Here’s everything I can think of so far (besides the center linkage) Upper control arms (or just the bushings/ball joint) Inner/outer tie rods Sway bars Lower ball joints Idler arm Pitman arm

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

The steering center linkage to the steering box is a great idea to replace if need be, as well as new upper hardware for the upper control arms , this can be done when you get an alignment or just before alignments . Also lower control arm bushings on frame side are also good to check with a pry bar if worn replace. Thanks for watching I appreciate it 🍻

[@sunshinechristina7780]

@@ATEMOFFROAD thanks for this awesome video :) we are in the process of changing all of this and also the lower control arm frame bushings - the big one is being a real pain to get out and the master ball joint kit we have doesn’t have a “socket” that fits - would you happen to have any tips? (2003 Ford F-150 xlt 4.6 285,000) TIA :)

[@raymontes8846]

Can you please list the tools , pullers etc that you used and where did you buy them. Thanks

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Amazon.com 🍻

[@calcard4747]

great video thank you

[@patsuddarth1093]

Good video, Bro.

[@fishwithlegs7409]

Thank you very much

[@armandolopez5826]

Gracias amigo muy buen video, te agradesco por la ayuda a tu progimo.

[@Try2-Imagine]

We created a drinking game for everytime you said go ahead.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

🤣🤣 I gotta stop that, yall going to be drunk 🍻

[@MrJoeltrain]

LOL on your wheel chocks. I've tried using those on trucks before and they don't hold up very good

[@retrodadstl]

Great video bro 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you for watching I appreciate it 🍻

[@retrodadstl]

Helped me out quite a bit greatly appreciated friend

[@golfstudpa1]

Great video! One question-I noticed you didn’t loosen the torsion bars as I’ve seen in other videos. Is it not necessary and are there safety precautions to follow?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

That’s not necessary, only if your removing the lower control arm! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@vg007v7]

@@ATEMOFFROAD lower control arm didn't need replacement?

[@luisperez-dv8dj]

that was really good video preciated

[@kornyque8081]

How is that kit holding up?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Great gave the truck to my dad a few years back over 45k on the truck since. No complaints there. Im his mechanic so I would hear about it 🤣🍻

[@clawhammer704]

I wish the bolts on my jobs broke loose as easy as these. Mine are always a bear to work with.

[@oscarpuente2029]

outstanding!

[@AlexMatt-q6h]

my f150 rides rough howncoukd i fix that problem? over pumped or whole it shskes up alot

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

A front alignment, wheels balanced, proper air pressure and some new shock can go along way, check out my front suspension rebuild video 🍻

[@valerietaylor9126]

Your awesome great teacher

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you for watching i appreciate it!

[@richnoggin6530]

I’m guessing this would be a good time to replace any and sensors if they are bad. My 2003 f150 abs sensor light turns on every now and then. What would need changing?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

My abs comes on and off too! I haven’t got around to it , but I will be replacing both the front sensors, they unplug from the harness and bolt to the steering knuckle! Maybe I will do a video on how to test these! I wonder if you bought 1 and moved it around until the light went away

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

Look for rust build up under the sensor

[@davidstevenson3952]

Thanks for the video. Needed to replace my tie rod ends so figured I'd buy the kit and do it all while I'm in there. After you got the alignment, did you have a little stiffness in the steering? I'm thinking might need a break in period.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

U joints can be stiff at first just make sure they have a good amount of grease in them, but no the steering felt normal. if you noticed there was two remaining ball joints in the steering setup That didn’t get replaced which were not in the kit. I probably should have replaced while i was there but I didn’t! They didn’t look to bad though! Thanks for watching

[@stevepolk4080]

Put springs on that front

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Soon, this was actually a low mileage truck. It we are getting there next time around 🍻

[@briizcustoms9543]

How rusty is this bad boy? Ive got a 97 that runs like a champ but due to MN salt the frame has seen better days, wondering if itd be worth the money for these repairs

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Very little rust , it had a power steering leak so that kept the frame well oiled haha . But all that was fixed when I replaced the engine 🍻

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I would say the truck is solid, one of the most reliable to boot, I’d say it’s worth it. If you can afford it

[@lsbcrr1988]

Have the parts held up well after a yr?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

They have , my dad owns the truck, so far no complaints! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@rogeliosanchez4221]

Where did you get the puller kit from??

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Rent from auto zone 🍻

[@supersteve9448]

Is the upper ball joint a solid piece with the upper control arm can they be separated?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I’m pretty sure they can be separated! Thanks for watching I appreciate it, cheers 🍻

[@mandov5916]

You can buy the ball joint and two side bushings separately but when you buy the whole upper control arm it’s cheaper and way easier than pressing joints in.

[@StormLaker]

I can't relate to you how jealous I am that you live in a place that cars rust at a rate of decades rather than months/years, lol. I live in the midwest....I assure you my 03' F150 looks nowhere near as nice as yours does underneath. I'm not looking forward to this job when I need to do it......at over 200K miles, the parts look original, and extremely rusted. Thanks for showing how to do this with hand tools.....though I think I'm going to buddy up to a friend of mine who has a lift and air tools given the rust issue, lol.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Cars do last a lot longer here without rust being an issue, I’ve seen a few of those ones you mention rolling around here and I dred working on them. Lol Hope all works out with your truck, good luck and thanks for watching buddy 🍻

[@StormLaker]

@@ATEMOFFROAD Not uncommon to see newer vehicles here rusted from the rockers down after 5 years. It's gotten worse since they started using salt brine on the roads 10-15 years ago. Before that they used to just use road salt. My last truck, the frame was rusted bad enough in places you could put your finger through it. Finally one day my mechanic told me he couldn't put it on the lift because when he tried the rear axle sagged enough to cause concern, haha. This one isn't as bad, but I can see it get there in a couple years.

[@StormLaker]

@@ATEMOFFROAD The truck won round 1.......the bolts holding the rear end of the drive shaft are corroded in place....going to be soaking them nightly with PB blaster all week in the evenings after I get home- then I'm going to get with one of my coworkers (I work in a shop full of diesel mechnics) who have some heavy duty air tools at home and a torch and see what we can get done, lol. Ahhh life in the rust belt.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

@@StormLaker that’s it keep up the good vibes and get er done. Good luck 👍🏼

[@MAGWolf]

never reuse the upper control arm bolts. Most shops will request camber/caster bolt to replace it.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Yes those get replaced during alignment as mentioned 🍻

[@MAGWolf]

@@ATEMOFFROAD Funny thing is out of everything that comes in the kit those bolts cost the most and Detroit usually don't have them in stock. I've done about bunch of fords over years with Detroit Axle parts. Been happy with Quality.

[@joseramos3669]

Good video.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching

[@MarkRuckh]

Super!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you 🍻

[@luisgarza4502]

TKS bro

[@1978Trevino]

How much would something like this cost at a shop if you can at least ballpark it???

[@JohnDoe-wi7eb]

I have heard horrible reviews about Detroit axel, how did this hold up for you?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I have used Detroit components over the years and know them more as “economical”option compared to oem! There are definitely more heavy duty options Available. Check out rockauto they have a decent selection. Overall The kit has held up. Some of the sway bar end link bushings are starting to show sings of cracking but haven’t become a real issue. My dad currently owns the truck last time I looked it over everything seemed fine. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@JohnDoe-wi7eb]

@@ATEMOFFROAD Thank you for the reply.

[@raymontes8846]

What is the kit part number

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

amzn.to/3RvIzXC

[@Rev792]

Is this kit any good ?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Still on the truck , dad drives it no complaints 🍻

[@Sncedayone]

Then immediately go get an alignment

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Yes 🍻

[@JB-dw3gr]

Could you add this kit to a 4wd model. I looked at both and don’t see a difference

[@nastysoda9212]

wish there was a motorcraft kit, really don't want to use that detroit axle trash

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Yeah the quality seems to have recently gone downhill 🍻

[@brandonlaragirl]

Your video is misleading it says tie rod ends you did not replace the tie rod ends all you did was upper and lower ball joints on the control arms

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

It’s in the video , I set up the tie rods on the bench

[@michaelescalante7718]

Not to be a smart ass or anything but You didn’t torque the upper control arm while the car is on the ground, ur gonna tear ur bushing prematurely.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Yes the wheels were too large to get in to torque those with the sprung weight on them, but I did later mention in the comments pinned and video , that those upper bolts should be replaced , which I did have the alignment shop replace those while doing the alignment. they had to be loosened at the time of the alignment anyway! So I am assuming that those were Retorqued correctly there! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@cr500mike]

Great instruction !!! LIKED/SUBB'D/THIS IS A COMMENT/SHARE? if'n I get a chance,,, laf.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks 🍻

[@mediaguy4037]

Try doing this on a truck in massachusetts and you will pull your hair out. Rust belt city

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I bet it wouldn’t be to fun, good luck buddy thanks for watching 🍻

[@paulshroyer-mk3xj]

😂

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

🤷‍♂️

[@davidmcnaughty4889]

Please go ahead and stop saying "go ahead and", FFS.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Hahah

[@Dwelly70]

Why does everyone doing these videos say there gonna go ahead and there gonna go agead and there gonna go ahead and. Wow annoying

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

🤣 yea I noticed that so I had to change it up to and then and then and next 😩lol