Can you identify knurled or smooth ball joints after install ?

[inlinesix3million]

I will be installing a Spyntec shorty kit shortly. (ha ha )
Once I have everything apart, will I be able to see if I have knurled replacement ball joints? ( Without removing said joints)
I believe mine are good thus far, however, next time I have wheel play - it will most likely be ball joints. I will like to order replacements before disassembly...
Right now I have a road speed related noise along with some wheel play ( while up on jackstands ) on the driver side. Also a noise when I press or let off the
throttle. I have greasable u joints installed ( by original owner ). I rotated the wheel/tire back and forth while up on the stands- and detected play on both sides in
both directions. Obviously, these will be replaced when the Spyntec kit goes in. I have a Spicer 5006813 for the AAM side and a SPL55-3X for the Dana 60 stub axle.
The main bodies of the ujoints are identical... I will just swap the opposing caps to match up with their proper counterparts.
Will I be able to tell if I have any replacement ball joints that are knurled?? Am pretty sure some were replaced just before I purchaced it.
I would like to thank everyone in advance!!

 

[ranger 393]

Up and down play is ball joints.. side to side would be wheel bearings, that would more than likely be the road noise you are hearing.Im not familiar with spyntec shorty kit.

 

[cerberusiam]

No, you won't be able to tell if they are knurled ball joints unless you remove them. Side to side play could be wheel bearing or ball joints, you have to identify the source of the movement.

 

[inlinesix3million]

Thanks guys. I have a constant , road speed related growling noise that only goes away when I take a 45mph right curve. Soon as I start to straighten out- it comes back. I have a little bit of
play at the driver side and none at the passenger side. Am pretty sure I have a wheel bearing issue...
Previous owner installed greasable u joints( that are now junk ) and replaced two of the ball joints ( either both uppers or both lowers ) whichever ones that tend to go out first probably.
It's a bummer that I won't be able to see enough of the ball joints tho. When it comes time to replace them, I will have to place my order after I tear everything down.