2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ball Joints and Axle changes

[Batphreak]

I need to put Ball joints in my truck. I started by looking at Rockauto, and someone with an older truck told me about the Spicer units for a very reasonable price. Turns out those are only listed for '97 and older trucks, the Spicer units aren't listed for my truck. I e-mailed Rockauto about it, they say Spicer doesn't rate their units for service on '98 trucks. So, all of you that have worked on a lot of these trucks, I want to know what you think.



The Moog ball joints (I know they are superior, but 'spensive compared to the Spcier ones) are the same part number for '94- at least '98 trucks: K80026



I decided to check other sources, Advance has TRW ball joints for my truck and older ones same part nubmer: 10339HD



For whatever reason the Spicer joints #: 5001048B are only listed for '97 and older trucks.



I'm thinking about just trying the Spicer ones, but I don't know enough about year-year changes. Does anyone know if there really is a difference betweeen the '97 and my '98? If so, why do Moog and TRW list the same joints for both years? (the part numbers I listed are for upper joints, the same situation occurs for lower joints).

 

[JFaughn]

I just did mine this week end-Moog K80026 & K8607T - one is upper & one is lower - [ 94 ] , I do have all the exact changes & dates , but I do remember that around 98 , there were some changes - removable disc [ brake ] & a knuckle same as ford , larger caliper ,
Also , my info states that TRW makes Moog .
Maybe someone can fill in whats when , on the changes .

 

[Batphreak]

I just don't understand why one company has the same part number for the two and another is different. I also took a look at moparpartz.com, they list 1 part number for all 4 ball joints spanning '94 thru '99. I believe the caliper/rotor change was '00, but I don't know for sure.

 

[Batphreak]

All right, I've decided I'll take a chance and let everyone know. I'm going to order 1 each of the Moog and Spicer-Red upper ball joints. Then I'll measure them, if everything measures the same I'm going to put the Spicer units on my truck.

 

[JFaughn]

I just don't understand why one company has the same part number for the two and another is different. I also took a look at moparpartz.com, they list 1 part number for all 4 ball joints spanning '94 thru '99. I believe the caliper/rotor change was '00, but I don't know for sure.

Theres no way they are the same , the lower are 1/2 as much bigger , that is just one difference , so different #s .

 

[Batphreak]

Quad 4x4 also says '94-'99 is the same ball joint setup.



Dodge Front Axle & Steering



I'm pretty certain those Spicer units will work in anything up to a '99. Plus, I just looked up a '99 truck on rockauto, the same Spicer units are listed for upper and lower, and for some reason there are no Moog units for a Dana 60.

 

[Batphreak]

I know, it's been a while. I did buy both upper ball joints and measured them. They measured the same, the Moog joints have a little finer spline on the press diameter, other than that they're the same joint.



Spicer on the left, Moog on the right.

#ad




So, I installed the Spicer joints in my truck a couple weeks ago. They went in just fine, I'll see how they hold up.