Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Ball Joints

[Don Schmidt]

How much play is normal in the lower ball joints on a 94 4WD??? Also does anyone have any opinion on a Fram oil filter for a 12 valve??? Thanks... .

 

[Ben Rumson]

Not sure, but...

I think that any play at all is a sign of wear.



Both of the lower ball joints have gone bad on mine (one at around 110K and the other at about 145k... service manual is out in the garage).



I replaced the top ball joints along with the bad lower ones while everything was apart. Additional cost was around $20 if I remember correctly.



Each time I used a "loaner" ball joint press from the local parts store and the fix went pretty good. Both sets were around $50- $70 +/- (my memories not too good tonight, bummer) But the tire shop that first noticed the "play" wanted to charge me $260 (I DO remember this) to replace the one side before they would pass the safety inspection. I told the service guy to at least try and kiss me before he _____'d me and I never went back.



Any "play" will get progressively worse now that it's not solid anymore.



Good luck.

 

[nfox]

Ball Joint Wear

You shouldn't have any play in your ball joints at all. I just replaced all four in my truck at 125,000 miles. The ball joints cost $200. 00. If you do change the ball joints, becareful not to damage the axle seals as they are very delicate, and a pain in the but to replace!! As for the fram oil filter stay away from it, the paper inside the filter tears apart inside and plugs up the tubes that squirt oil under the pistons that keeps them cool and lubed.

 

[Dave Remillard]

I checked mine yesterday while working on another problem and found them to be a bit loose. I'm curious about possible damage to the axle seals. It didn't look like axle seals would come in to play. Not saying they don't, just saying I don't get the connection. I would appreciate more info on this since I will be doing the ball joint replacement soon. Just curious if the Luke's Link is a good way to go, or perhaps the Moog. All things being considered, I prefer the parts that will simplify the job the most.

 

[Ben Rumson]

Originally posted by no-strokin

It didn't look like axle seals would come in to play.

You need to remove the front axle from the axle housing and the seals tend to leak once the shaft has been removed and reinstalled - even under great care. Often times the seals will "self-heal" after several thousnd miles. My Front left seal still leaks after 30k. It's not real bad, but does make a bit of a mess. Rather than replace the seal, I've just kept an eye on the fluid level in the differential and make sure that it's OK. A quart of oil is a lot cheaper than the seal replacement - but I worry about submerging the axle and having water enter. This would NOT be good.



Try searching "front axle seal replacement". A guy had a link to his home page where he showed a step by step process for removing and replacing the front seal. He used a piece of 3' long all-thread with a large nut and washer on the end to remove the old seal.

 

[Bob Ellithorpe]

Ball joints & tire wear

I have a 94 two wheel drive and replaced the upper ball joints some time back. Still have to replace the lower ball joints. After replacing the uppers and an alingment I'm still seeing cupping on the inside of the front tires.

What else is there to do besides replacing the lowers and new shocks to eliminate the cupping???

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Bob, on your 2WD you should check the rubber bushing for the front end - If you have a lot of miles, they could be going bad causing some of your problems as well. Remember after replacing any front suspension part (except shocks) you should realign the front end.





As far as the front ball joints for 4WD - I have a 96 that needs them replaced. Here in VA you can have 1/4" of play at the edge of the tire before HAVING to replace them - however - any play isn't good. Once you have play the wear will ACCELERATE!!! Haven't done them yet. - hopefully over xmas break Instead of a ball joint press you could also take the unit w/ the ball joints out and use a shop press - that is what I do.



I got the ball joints at CarQuest.

part number CCH K8388T - 57. 64 for 2

part number CCH K8607T - 90. 02 for 2



Dan