8 ball joints @ 32,000

[SLinse]

I posted about a year ago when the first set of 4 went out at 7,000. Truck just got out of the shop yesterday with 4 more replaced at 32,000!! for a total of 8 in the 2 years I've owned it. (not to mention a steering gearbox at 20,000)



I know there was a long thread started about this, but all in all what are people doing to solve this issue?? Is this something I should contact DC about??



Just CYA... The truck is pretty much a pavement pounder, used but not abused! I would blame my 315's, however the first set went out before I even put them on!!!

 

[CoastyAV8R]

How are you determining the ball joints are bad? I'm not questioning whether they were or weren't, I just would like an idea as I'm sure at some point I will have to replace mine and I'm wondering what your signs of bad balljoints were. I have 28000 miles on mine so far with stock size tires and haven't had any problems with ball joints as of yet. I check mine by getting the front tire off the ground then use a prybar and move it up and down underneath the tire and check for play. Is this what you do or do you have another technique?

 

[Nate]

I got 150,000 out of mine. Only 1 was bad, but I replaced all 4 while I was at it.

 

[jwilliams3]

Coast,

Thats how I tested mine.

Found passenger side was definitely bad.

 

[SLinse]

I've have gotten the feel for it. The truck starts to wander a bit, so I know things are getting bad. I usually have the dealer check out the front end every 6 months or so anyways. I usually keep a close eye on them. This last set the tech said they were toast with a tolerence of . 87 on one side and . 85 on the other. That is a lot of play! I know a few of us have this problem. It doesn't appear to be most trucks, just a few. I was hoping some of the other guys happend to have found a cure!

 

[SLinse]

Coasty, that is the correct way to check. I let my dealer handle it sense it is covered by warranty, and the truck seems to frequent the place! lol

 

[JHardwick]

This last set the tech said they were toast with a tolerence of . 87 on one side and . 85 on the other. That is a lot of play!

Do you mean . 085 and . 087?

 

[jungledave]

I checked all 4 on the wifes truck and there is quite a bit of play with only 1400 miles. Called dealer and he says that all the AAMs are this way so I wonder how many out there are changing out good balljoints. I have to admit that all my years doing brakes and front ends that I was surprised. I checked mine and found about . 080 or so and no side no camber play.