2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission All ball joints gone again......

[hammersley]

wow - only 43,000 miles... . I just turned 351,000 on her and want to keep it up to snuff..... estimates are around $900... ..... thoughts?

 

[SRadke]

Upper and lower Moog ball joints, about $250 from Carquest. Usually takes me 4-5 hours to install. 900 sounds steep.

 

[hammersley]

that also includes aligning and

includes McQuay-Norris® Extreme Chassis Products rather than Moog... .



AFFINIA - Products

 

[JustDave]

That does sound high to me too but I do all my own service so I'm out of touch with shop prices. I'd talk to a couple more shops to see if this is correct for your area. If it is, then maybe you might consider doing the job yourself.



I just replaced my ball joints. You know the procedures if you've serviced a front end before. If not, check the most recent issue (#71) of TDR. Mike Wilson's article starting on page 18 shows the procedure on a 4wd. It's not a hard job. I used Moog parts. No reason other than great prices from Amazon. Whatever you use make sure they're greasable and have a good warranty.



Out of curiosity, was there anything else in that price? Rod ends, alignment, etc. ? I agree with SRadke that all four ball joints should be in the $225 - $250 range for the parts only.

 

[hammersley]

Nope ...

only the joints and alignment..... I'll check the issue 71... thanks

 

[Missouri Mule]

IIRC my mechanic charged me 600 and something for labor and parts (greasable ball joints). Alignment was extra he does't do them.

 

[erobb]

Just curious if you know what was installed before that only lasted 43k. I just did mine at 321k, I used NAPA as I found out after quite a bit of research that they are made by Spicer. Spicer and Dana being the same company effectively makes them an OEM replacement part, except they are greasable where the originals are not. They were only slightly higher than the MOOG, also I found that the MOOG seems to have questionable quality control recently.

Anyway I sure hope my new ones last longer than 43k, that sucks. Good Luck.

 

[JCyrbok]

wow - only 43,000 miles... . I just turned 351,000 on her and want to keep it up to snuff..... estimates are around $900... ..... thoughts?

thats odd, I only got 45k out of my first set and have 85k on the replacements. I think sometimes it is just luck (whether good or bad),LOL



J-

 

[RLHannink]

I have 140k on Moogs, still tight. I think it helps to grease them often, and to grease them with the tire jacked off the ground.

 

[AWallace]

What is the easiest way to get them out and reinstall. My joints are good but the boots are gone. I ordered a press but have talked to 2 people that said they are a pita to get in. 95 2500 2X4, 110,000

 

[GHerrmann]

I just got a quote for$1300. 00 to do ball joints. They are not to bad yet, but new ones are in the near future. Think I'll have to shop around a bit and see if I can find a better price.

 

[Bill Weber]

WOW! $1300 for ball joints! Don't what erobb paid at NAPA but, you could change them your self, and inspect the wheel bearings at the same time for a lot less. Might to have to buy a few tools, but you'll always have them for future use.

Bill

 

[The patriot]

I have 130K on my originals.

Put grease fittings on it!

That's how mine lasted this long.

 

[GHerrmann]

WOW! $1300 for ball joints! Don't what erobb paid at NAPA but, you could change them your self, and inspect the wheel bearings at the same time for a lot less. Might to have to buy a few tools, but you'll always have them for future use.

Bill

A few years ago I could have done it myself. I'm disabled now and even getting a flat tire and putting on the spare would be hard. It does suck, I have a garage full of tools, welders, air comp, ect. but just can't do that stuff anymore. Just a simple oil change costs $100. 00 +

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I have about 120K on mine since I replaced them back in '98. I try to grease them monthly.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I had over 200,000 on my original ball joints hope these geasable one last that long or longer.