2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ball Joint Confusion...

[chazj]

At almost 175,000 miles, I had my front end checked and repaired as necessary. The verdict was that 1 ball joint needed to be replaced as well as a new track bar and replacement of the 4 original shocks. (I chose Bilsteins) . The truck prior to this inspection has yet to experience any resemblence to the well know "death wobble". It tracked perfectly. Tires wearing well.



Am curious if I would be better served to replace the other 3 ball joints as a preventative measure even though they are still tight... and thus not in need of replacement??



How long do these things last? Is it not strange that only One was in need of replacement?



I try to be pro-active but don't want to throw away money if it's not really necessary.



Appreciate any feedback...

 

[Missouri Mule]

I had all 4 ball joints changed at 250,000 plus,no death wobble. I did it as preventive maintenaince. As it turned out they were all loose.

 

[BigPapa]

I would at least replace both of them on the bad side.

 

[GrantP]

I would at least replace both of them on the bad side.

Ditto. It is very little additional labor to do both ball joints on the same side. With as many miles are on the truck it would be foolish not to.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Ditto X 2. Not much more labor for the knowledge that your ball joints are good.

 

[chazj]

I was mistaken in my above comment.

Picked up truck today and all the ball joints were replaced (with XRF) along with any other worn front end parts and shocks.

It rides like a new truck... or maybe even a little better...

 

[APulpan]

chazj,

what kind of ball joints are (XRF)???

Thanx

 

[cerberusiam]

XRF is a Canadian based HD Chassis company. Better than OE but not as expensive as Carli or DynaTrac. Definitely better than Moog but they can have some issues at times with the product.

 

[APulpan]

so would you recommend installing the XRFs since they have issues from time to time because im not really wanting to do this twice. Its back braking job and alot of money involved, especially if some1 does it. Im still on the fence if i want to tackle that job myself or not. Also where can u get these? Is there a website to look at them and get priceing??

thanx

 

[cerberusiam]

A lot of people swear buy them in hard use scenarios. There were a few that had issues but maybe they were not the HD series or installed wrong, hard telling some times. I have been using Raybestos Premium grade for everyhting I am doing now. Easier to get at Rock auto and I think a bit heavier duty.