Just got my car back from the tire shop after blowing one the other day. The guys at the shop told me my lower front right ball joint was bad (thus explaining the clunking noise coming from that wheel well!) After numerous 300 dollar estimates from numerous mechanics, I just went and picked up the part in question for 23 dollars. Unlike other ball joints I've seen, these seem to be bolt on joints? Is that normal? Ultimately, what's the step-by-step on replacing this part?

 

Normally the ball joints are riveted in place from the factory on "W" Bodies.... If there are bolts, it is quite possible it has been replaced before, which will only make your job easier... otherwise you will have to chisel out the rivets and replace the new ball joint with nuts and bolts usually provided with the ball joint when it is purchased.....

 

Step one is buy a factory service manual. Step two is read the section on suspension. There are over two dozen on ebay right now, with the cheapest having a $9 Buy It Now price.