I have a 2000 mountaineer that needs upper and lower ball joints i know the whole upper control arm has to be replaced how hard of a job is this?

If you have all the proper tools, including jack and jack stands it can be done, however, keep in mind that sometimes the bolts can seize in the bushings making it difficult to remove them. But that does not always happen. It's a fairly straight forward procedure though. Just remove your tire after properly jacking your vehicle up and placing it on jack stands. Some special tools you will need are tie rod end seperator, ball joint removal tool, these tools can sometimes be rented from parts stores like Autozone. I would also recommend buying a repair manual for your truck, especially, if you've never done this before, and read over the entire procedure before starting just to make sure you have everything you need. Nothing worse than starting a job on your car only to find out half way in you need something else. In brief, after removing your tires, seperate your tie rod ends, ball joints from steering knuckle, sway bar links and remove the bolts for your control arms. Also if this is a 4 wheel drive system your axles will have to be seperated fron your steering knuckles. Installation is just reversal of removal. But do get a manual before starting it's worth the $20. Hope that helps, gl.

Well it isn't actually
if you are willing to read a chilton book or a haynes manule that you can buy on line for 10 - 30 bucks then your ok but if you aint springing for the book take it to the mechanic and save some cash and greif