Since my phone won't let me search anything, here's my question........ Are ball joints a pain to replace? I have new ones coming and I've never done them before. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

super easy

 

Super easy as in " I hate my life" or easy as in "wow one bolt" lol. I mean I have basic tools but not any speciality tools that might be needed?

 

If it's set up like my 85 all you'll need is some jack stands, a jack(to support the lower arm), some basic sockets/wrenches, a ballJoint fork(can usually loan from an autoparts store) and a big hammer.

You have a shop manual for your truck?

 

I think I have a Haynes book somewhere? Have to see if I can find it.

 

Mine only goes up to 92, so I wonder what in the suspension changed, if anything.

 

It is fairly simple, 4 small bolts or so on top from arm to joint and 3 or 4 bolts on bottom from arm to joint. One castle nut each joint.

You can try loosening up the castle nut until it is almost off the bolt but not quite off completely and then tap the side of the spindle where the balljoint end goes into the spindle with a mallet. If done right it will knock the balljoint loose because of the taper.

Or the pickle fork is a good tool to use but the best is a ball-joint press.