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2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Moog ball joints are sloppy with on 36,000 miles

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So I got new tires on and took it in to check the alignment. Found out that upper and lower ball joints move. :mad: I did not show any abnormal wear on the old tires and had worn quite well. I went with Moog becuz of the name and reputation. So with only 36,000 miles on them the big question is WHY???? Yes I installed them myself and I am confident it was done right. Has anyone experienced this issue? I also feel a bumping feel every so often in the steering wheel again. Thanks.
 
Check your track bar out. They are notoriously weak on the 2nd gens and will cause some uncomfortable situations behind the wheel.

Not many options for ball joints for the 2nd gens unfortunately.
 
Check your track bar out. They are notoriously weak on the 2nd gens and will cause some uncomfortable situations behind the wheel.

Not many options for ball joints for the 2nd gens unfortunately. My next set will most likely be Dynatracs. Pricey but it is the best available and they are rebuildable

https://www.dynatrac.com/rebuildabl...na-60-axles-and-dynatrac-pro-60-knuckles.html


Edit: just realized you have an 02, you'll have to check but I'm pretty sure the Dynatracs are only available on the early Dana 60 axles 99 and earlier.
 
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I've always used Moog on my RWD's and never had a problem.

HOWEVER, when I worked at the truck shop the only "regular" BJ's we had good luck with on the 4X4's were the NAPA Chassis Parts BJ's. Word was they're made by Spicer.
 
Agreed on the track bar.
http://lukeslink.com/p/1994-2002-dodge-ram

Upgrade the ends, Luks LInk and a new bushing, or get a 3rd gen conversion, with polyurethane bushings at both ends.
http://www.cjcoffroad.com/Synergy-D...PPM-8554.htm?gclid=CJW4y9SCrc0CFc8lgQod1k8CRg

With the Moogs, have you greased them? Are you sure they are bad, and it is not the lower control arm bushings blowing out?
Try and check your Caster Alignment, and see if the bushings move in the control arms (lift the truck by the frame, so the front axle is floating).
 
The only good thing about the NAPA Chassis components is life time replacements, they are not any better than the Moog's which are not up to the task.

XRF seems to be the only source of HD parts for these trucks.
 
I think it's like a 1/4 inch. look though napaonline, and other site and they tell you that new BJ will have up n down movement. it's the side to side that messes up tires and alignment.
 
Soooo I took it back to the shop where I bought the moog ball joints to have there 2nd opinion input. Come to find out, they apparently have done a few dodge pickup front end repairs and have done the research and like KILLER 223 said the up and down movement is Normal ( I have less than an 1/8") and I have no side to side movement!!!!!! Can I get a HELL YA!!!!! :-laf Yes I do make sure I grease them every 3-5000 miles in which is when I change my oil. Track bar and everything is still tight. Control arms are still in great shape too. (original) What's the life expectance for control arms? So just to bring everyone up to speed. I did some major upgrades to my front end which included the ball joints 36,000 miles ago. I replaced all tie rod ends and ball joints. (MOOG) Installed a new Borgeson steering box and new steering shaft, Sway bar front and rear end links from Suspension Maxx, and front sway bar grease-able bushings (Genos Garage), installed a steering stabilizer, non-adjustable track bar, track bar conversion kit. (Source Automotive) So I have all of components new except the controls arms. I was gonna replace them at the same time but didn't have the extra $850 to replace them and were still in great shape so I will replace them when that time comes. Thanks for all your help and valueable input!!!
 
up n down movement is NORMAL!!!

Not in any way, shape, or form should that be considered NORMAL. THAT specifically is the reason for so many steering, DW, and is just problems in the making. Darned cheap components does NOT help the situation. A set of BJ's that remove the slop makes a huge difference in wear and tightness of the steering, especially on the cheap parts.
 
Why are you pointing out 3rd gen BJ's for a 2nd gen????

Vertical movement IS the problem, claims of normal aside. It was bad design and causes issues.
 
I put grease fittings on my factory ones and grease them @ every oil change.
135K miles.....still stock & tight.
I'm notoriously easy on my vehicles though....
 
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