Yes, even more ball joint questions

[erobb]

Hi, I have another thread on here talking about my new Bridgestone Revo 2's and they are behaving themselves now that I have let the pressure down to 40psi, which is way less than I am used to running, but it seems to be working.

So I desperately need new tires on the front as well, but the ball joints need done first. The counter guy at the local O'Reilly's was pushing their house brand (Master Pro, I think) saying they were as good as the Moog's but cheaper and still had the lifetime warranty. But, I'm not sure I want to take a chance on parts that are of questionable quality because the job is so tough. Uppers were $28 each, lowers were $31 each. They have a ball joint press I can rent for free with a 4x4 adapter kit.

Also it seems even the Moog's quality is in question, with the research I have done, but they all seem to compare thier own product to the Moog.

Another option is NAPA, they have thier Premium line and the counter guy there says his is better than Moog because they use a brass insert instead of nylon or some such thing. The NAPA ones are $48. 50 for uppers each, and $74 for lowers each. Any feedback on either the O'Reilly or NAPA ones would be appreciated, I buy most of my parts at NAPA, they are a little more expensive but I think the quality is better too.

I like to do business locally, rather than by mailorder if possible. I don't need the absolute best, as money is tight and the truck is still on the originals with 320k on the odometer. I am looking to get the truck fixed up on a budget, and with the amount of rust taking hold at this point, in another 100k I won't have anything left but the engine anyhow.

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated, Thanks





98. 5 Reg Cab, 4x4, 5-spd, 3. 55's, Westach fuel pressure gauge, Van Aaken box, RV275's, 4" turbo back exhaust, 320k, original VP44.

 

[erobb]

Thanks to all those who responded, it was really helpfull. After doing more research on the web and asking more questions, it seems the O'Reilly house brand (Master Pro) is of questionable quality and they are suspected to be factory seconds or at least are made with cheaper metal and/or are not heat treated. And although it is somewhat hard to verify, NAPA claims that Spicer (Dana) actually makes some but not all of thier Premium Chasis Parts lineup, effectively making thiers an OEM replacement part. Also in my research I found many favorable comments on the Spicer ball joints.

So armed with that knowledge I have spent the extra money and gone ahead with the NAPA products.

The truck drives and even rides so much better I wish I had done it a long time ago. I can't understand how the ride quality could be different but it seems to be. I have an appointment to install the 2 front tires and get an alignment tomorrow. At that point my piggy bank will be dry.

Maybe this info on the ball joints will help others.

 

[GOlsen]

That is good to know, thanks! Keep us updated on long term results if you can.