I need to change ball joints on my 2000 Lincoln LS, is it necessary to change the lower ball joints, too. I am also having a problem finding an auto repair manual. Your help would surely be appreciated. Tim.

the upper ball joints are part of the control arm, so if ball joint is bad you'll have to replace the control arm. here's the insp. and remolal info for both sides. need any thing more or pics let me know. mws919

Raise and support the vehicle.
Prior to performing any inspection of the ball joints, inspect the front wheel bearings.
Position a safety stand beneath the front suspension lower arm or rear suspension lower arm to be tested.

While an assistant pulls and pushes the top and bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the ball joint and the front suspension lower arm. Any movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged ball joint. Install a new spindle as necessary.

While an assistant pulls and pushes the top and bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the ball joint and the front suspension upper arm or rear suspension upper arm. Any movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged ball joint. Install a new front suspension upper arm or rear suspension upper arm as necessary.
Remove the safety stand.
Lower the vehicle.
Removal

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect the performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

Remove the air cleaner.

Remove and discard the nut.
Remove the canister purge valve.

Remove and discard the nut.
Remove the shock absorber and spring assembly.

Note: Wire the top of the wheel knuckle to the body to prevent knuckle movement. Note: To remove the nut, first loosen the nut, then use the hex holding feature to prevent the upper control arm ball joint from turning while removing the nut. Note: Make sure not to lose the tapered washer on the ball joint. Remove and discard the nut. Disconnect the suspension upper arm from the knuckle.

Remove and discard the bolt.

Remove the bolt and the suspension upper arm. Discard the bolt.
Installation

Position the suspension upper arm and install a new bolt.

Install a new bolt.

Note: Make sure the tapered washer is installed on the ball joint before connecting the upper control arm to the knuckle. Note: To install the nut, first install the nut until snug using the hex holding feature. Final tighten using a socket and a torque wrench. Note: Remove the wire holding the knuckle after tightening the nut. Connect the suspension upper arm to the knuckle. Install a new nut.
Install the shock absorber and spring assembly.

CAUTION: The suspension lower arm-to-body nuts must be tightened with the suspension at curb height. Make sure the vehicle is completely lowered before tightening these nuts. Failure to do so can cause bushing failure, resulting in poor ride and handling. Install a new nut.

Install a new nut.
Install the air cleaner.
Install the canister purge valve.
Removal

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect the performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

Remove and discard the nut.

Detach the wires and electrical connectors from the bracket.

Remove three bolts and the bracket.

Remove and discard the nut.
Remove the strut and spring assembly.

Note: Wire the top of the wheel knuckle to the body to prevent knuckle movement. Note: To remove the nut, first loosen the nut, then use the hex holding feature to prevent the ball joint from turning while removing the nut. Note: Make sure not to lose the tapered washer on the ball joint. Remove and discard the nut. Disconnect the suspension upper arm from the knuckle.

Remove and discard the bolt.

Remove the bolt and the suspension upper arm. Discard the bolt.
Installation

CAUTION: The suspension upper arm nuts must be tightened with the suspension at curb height. Make sure the vehicle is completely lowered before tightening these nuts. Failure to do so can cause bushing failure, resulting in poor ride and handling. Note: The suspension upper arm bolts and nuts are of a torque prevailing design. New bolts and nuts must be installed. Note: Make sure the tapered washer is installed on the ball joint before connecting the upper control arm to the knuckle. Note: To install the upper control arm ball joint nut, first install the nut until snug using the hex holding feature, then final tighten the nut using a socket and torque wrench.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

yes you should change both the upper and lower balljoints,you will need a balljoint press,to remove and install the lowerballjoint,the upper is one unit,upper control arm assemblt w/balljoint.