Where do I get new boots for old ball joints?

[jsimpson]

Where do I get new boots for old ball joints? I hate to shell out $60 for a new ball joint just because the boot is shot.

 

[jsimpson]

Come on now; some of you guys have been recommending replaacing the boots if they are busted! You MUST know where to get them!

 

[Bill Lins]

I'd like to know, also. Mine have 73k miles on them and the boots are shot!

 

[illflem]

There must be a source somewhere but I've never found it. I replace torn boots on tractor ball joints quite often with a section of puncture proof bicycle inner tube held on with stainless steel tie wire, works better than OEM. Tractor ball joints are $150 a pop, makes it more worthwhile. The biggest cause of boot failure is over greasing, two shots is plenty, if the grease comes out from under the boot you've overdone it.

 

[jsimpson]

That definitely is not what caused mine to fail; it doesn't have a zerk!

 

[illflem]

JS, it may be worth it to replace your joint in order to get a new boot just so you can get one with a zerk.

 

[jsimpson]

Yeah; I came to that conclusion too. But sixty bucks when my ball joint is still good! Oh well, at leats I have it pulled apart!

 

[lschultz]

Try http://www.energysuspension.com/

We got a tie rod end boot for my sons 99 when it cracked. At the time they did not sell direct to you,had to go thru one of there dealers. I think he went thru 4wheel parts and they ordered it for him. But things might have changed you might be able to order from them. I think you can email them from there site. Just look around on there site and you will find what you need.

 

[jsimpson]

Thanks, LSchultz!



I popped the old ball joints out, drilled about twenty holes in the rubber of the A-arm bushings and shoved them out, cleaned up the A-arms, painted them, and am awaiting the arrival of new A-arm bushings. Moog lower ball joint was $90. 05, upper was $59. 95, upper bushings were 8. 89, lower were $23. 44. I don't know if I'm saving any money doing it myself, but I sure am using up a lot of my time and energy! Parts total is $386. 53 for both sides. Not counting parts waiting time, labor is roughly two days (including painting and drying). Next is the clutch. Then I'm going to consider tackling the transmission, 5th gear upgarde and all! It's basically stock and going to stay that way - no more than 230hp ever. Any clutch suggestions?