I'm replacing ball joints and I'll be changing out the bushing.
Question is what kind? I've got an 08 f250 5.4L. The one that I pulled out says 0.0 /+0.4.
also the old upper was severely bent somehow, sitting on an angle, hence the needed replacement. I'm starting to learn more and more about the complexity of these HD trucks.
Can anyone help me to determine what to do/buy in order to DIY, unless the alignment shop needs to determine the proper bushing? Or is there a specific one to buy? Just trying to learn and save! Thank you and happy holidays

 

Welcome to the site..

No real or reliable way to tell absolutes.. On collision repairs ect we used to measure angles on/off the rim face. It was fairly accurate, but multiple runs for corrective bushings or tying up rack time was quite often the result . Being the bushings are fairly quick to change, letting the alignment tech determine the correct bushing is best IMO.

 

Thank you for the response, you suggest I should put the old bushing back in, and reassemble the the knuckle and get to the shop? I was thinking I would save money by doing my own ball joints, I'm now thinking he's going to charge me 5 hours to swap out this old one for new. Seems kind of waste of money. I realize they need to see it on the hoist, just trying different options to save a buck on this new buy with 320k on it.

 

Sometimes in spite of our best efforts we can't win. You have the option of reinstalling the damaged cam with the new joint and hopefully you will only be charged for the alignment and necessary parts.

 

Certainly do your own joint replacements, and it may/may not even need replacement bushings.
I’d do the work and install the old bushings ‘snugged’ and make it known/noted to the shop prior to alignment.. During the alignment they may need rotate to make up or change castor, tweak camber, or replace if spring squat, bushings are overly ’settled’ changing original alignment specs. If no new bushings, a final tightening and key during alignment may be all that’s needed. Unless something has changed radically like ball joints, damage, most times stock bushings will correct.