Moog ball joints dead at 15K miles?!?!?

[bkaiser]

My truck went for state inspection yesterday. It needs all four ball joints, the left universal and both outer tie rod ends. The tie rods are OEM with 50K on them, but the other five items have 15,200 miles on them!



I trust the shop that did the inspection (fellow fire department member, have had 15 year relationship with them), and they did the install of the ball joints and universals.



Over the last 15K miles, the truck has had an easy life. The camper was only in for seven days and I towed all of 30 miles. It has basically been a commuting vehicle.



Has anybody had a set of Moogs die this quick? Granted I drive it like I stole it, but the factory 'junk' made it 35,000 miles before they quit.

 

[WoodChuck]

My factory junk has 140k miles now. It does have a little play up and down and makes noises once in a while but still getting the job done.

 

[Regcabguy]

California has no vehicle inspections after purchase. We had them many years ago and I can't believe the're not a reality anymore. To be honest 'we could probably use them again when you see some of these heaps driving around. What state are you in that inspects that thoroughly?

 

[Bob4x4]

Pa... ... ...

 

[Bob4x4]

I have heard from friends that travel to Pa,there are some pretty rough stretches of pavement out there.

Suspension and steering parts don't know whether it is paved or dirt :-laf

Dodge no longer services the tie rod ends if that gives you a clue. They supercede to a complete new steering linkage package,Make sure you get the new pitman arm as well. It has a different angle.

These are the ball joints I would recomend if you wore out a set in 15k

Dodge Ram HD Upper Ball Joints - Dodge Ram Suspension System Components



Bob

 

[DPalmquist]

I have 82k on mine and they need to be replaced. Was thinking about going with Moog greasables. Were the moog ball joints the greasable type that you installed? And how often did you grease them, thanks

 

[bkaiser]

Dpalmquist - The Moog parts are greasable. They were lubed at about 7,500 mile of use, which for me is once a year.



Bob 4X4 - I have thought that KORE parts should be standard equipment up here. Things are a lot better than they were, but we still have a long way to go.



Regcabguy - No annual inspection? Wow, I figured the socialist sate would have weekly inspections and check that the air in the tires was CARB approved! Seriously, PA is pretty thorough. Two wheels, oppposite sides and ends must be pulled and the inspector must record the type of brake lining (rivet/bonded), lining thickness and tire tread in 1/16" increments. Some vehicles need to go to the dealer for inspection because the state allowances for front end play are less then factory allowances. Private shops can't override the state spec. School busses get done every six months.

 

[Regcabguy]

Expensive socialism too! My annual registration is due on my 2500 '07 CTD. $433 due 12-31-08 Merry Christmas Dave! Signed, Arnold and legislature. Last month's utility bill for gas and light was $51. 00 including having the AC on for a week. My property taxes on an accessed value of 159,000 is $1761/year thanks to Howard Jarvis. We bought back in '87 and the state can't raise the valuation more than 1. 5% /year I believe. They can cram a million other surcharges in there, though sorta like your phone bill.

 

[steved]

I have not been into the balljoints yet at 170k, but I'll probably pull the trigger next spring.



Do the AAMs have the same preload "screw" in the top balljoint hole in the knuckle like the Danas?? How is preload applied to the joints?