2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Question on ball joint testing procedure

[MARK JAQUITH]

I have a 2001. 5 3500 CTD HO Quad 4x4- Just had track bar replaced but still have a clunk in the front end. Jacked up and supported each front wheel and when I pry under the wheel with a 2x4 the wheel will move up and down 1 to 2 inches--Is this normal or are the ball joints shot? There is no in and out movement that is described in the shop manual as the method for testing ball joints. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[rholcom2]

I cant really invision what you are meaning by "prying up". I would think that 1"-2" of play in any wheel would give cause for extensive research to why it is doing this. You mentioned that you have no "in-and-out" motion. When you are prying "up-and-down" is there any chance that the bottom of the tire is moving out (just looks up) and the top is moving in? Just curious, I know I would be pretty nervous if I had a front end with that much play. Good luck, I am sure if you give some further explination that someone will know exactly whats wrong.

 

[MARK JAQUITH]

Thanks for the response--Yes it made me pretty nervous when I found this much movement in the tire as I just returned from a 10350 mile trip out west. I had the track bar replaced at a dealer and the play must have been there at that time. So much for that. By prying up on the wheel, I placed a piece of 2x3 on the floor next to the wheel and with a 4 foot bar placed over the wood and under the tire I can lift the tire straight up aprox 2 inches. The shop manual method is to have tire suspended and grab the top and bottom and see if there is any in at the top or bottom play in and out. Thanks again