need new balljoints

[p-Bar]

I know this has been discussed but don't have time to do a search . Lost upper ball joint this morning will have to buy something over the counter. Can i get some recommendations ?? Also should I do the lowers?? Thanks in advance .

 

[04blackcherry]

Do them both. The upper is just a fancy king pin. Slop up and down comes from the bottom joint. I used NAPA professional ball joints. They are made by DANA. Just checked them the last time I rotated the tires. No movement so far. Been a couple years since I did them.

 

[p-Bar]

Problem I'm finding is they want to sell me a complete upper since it is 2wd @ 175. 00

 

[cerberusiam]

The upper is just a fancy king pin. Slop up and down comes from the bottom joint.

Part of the problem with the factory stuff is the cheap spring loaded pin. Put real ball joints in and problem solved. The play is from the top joint, not the bottom, as it wears fastest without a good design. 2x4's actually have actual ball joints.

Looks like the upper only comes as a complete control arm so it will be whatever they can get for them over the counter. If you can order from somewhere that would save $$ but not time if it is critical. RockAuto has professional grade replacements for around $125.

If you do the upper you might as well do the lower at the same time so they have even wear.

 

[cerberusiam]

The upper is just a fancy king pin. Slop up and down comes from the bottom joint.

Part of the problem with the factory stuff is the cheap spring loaded pin. Put real ball joints in and problem solved. The play is from the top joint, not the bottom, as it wears fastest without a good design. 2x4's actually have actual ball joints.



Looks like the upper only comes as a complete control arm so it will be whatever they can get for them over the counter. If you can order from somewhere that would save $$ but not time if it is critical. RockAuto has professional grade replacements for around $125.



If you do the upper you might as well do the lower at the same time so they have even wear.

 

[p-Bar]

Ended up with Moog made in USA have zirk fitting. just did the upper as I needed to get on the road . Will do the balance next weekend . Thanks for your help all.

 

[04blackcherry]

Sorry, didn't notice the 2wd in your sig. My bad.

 

[rashwor]

I think you made a good call with Moog greasable. I had my '05 done back at 200k a couple of years ago and that is what I used, Moog greasable upper and lowers. Went ahead and did the front stabilizer bar links using Lukes Links as the originals were bad. I have always liked greasable ball joints and have never had a greasable joint go bad because I grease them at least every oil change.



You are also correct, the upper only comes as an assembly with the arm from what I found when I did mine.

 

[cerberusiam]

Moog are generally a bad choice on these trucks, at least on the 4x4's. Too many problems with memory steer and liftime, about like the XRF's.

The 2x4's maybe different, one can hope anyway. Given the choice, I wouldn't spend the money on them.