Hey all.... this weekend I decided to play the "find that noise" game in the front end of my 2004 F-350 XL 4x4. There should be a label on the fender warning that this game requires a case of beer at a minimum.

I've decided I'm not playing games and I'm replacing just about everything (and most of it needs it). I'm looking down the gun knowing I need upper and lower ball joints, unit bearings, hubs, and u-joints on both sides. I know there are threads and info out there, but I got lost reading it all.

I'm looking for quality parts for the best price. Meaning, I'm not afraid to spend a little more to get the good stuff, but my truck is stock and I'm not a cool kid. I'm after reliaibility not fancy..... Who makes the best parts for the best price?

Ball joints: ?
Unit Bearings: ?
Hubs: ?
U-joints: ?

I'd prefer "serviceable" parts if they are out there....

Thanks for any input!

 

Moog joints

I hear most get advanced auto unit hub bearings.

Hubs? 4x4 locker hubs? warn.

 

If the joints don't have a zerk drill them out and install one.

 

I just ordered all the parts myself, I found that Amazon has the best prices I could find and the shipping is free.

I found this write up to be the most helpful. Ford Super Duty Ball Joint Replacement Procedure | Superdutypsd.com

It also lists all the part numbers with links to the parts on Amazon.

Here is a brief rundown of what I paid.

Amazon.com: Timken 515020 Axle Bearing and Hub Assembly: Automotive
Hub bearing assembly. $205 This includes 4 hub studs and yellow seals.

Amazon.com: Moog K80026 Ball Joint: Automotive
Upper Ball joint, Moog with zerk fititng. $25

Amazon.com: Moog K8607T Lower Ball Joint: Automotive
Lower Ball Joint, moog with zerk fitting. $42

Amazon.com: F81z3249aa Kit - Universal Joint Oem Ford: Automotive
Axle U Joint, Ford. $58

Amazon.com: National Oil Seals 710413 Spindle Hub Oil Seal: Automotive
Axle dust seal. $15

Amazon.com: SKF 28600 Axle Shaft Seal: Automotive
Axle shaft seal, $40

I also bought some Mile Marker manual locking hubs, the Ford hubs were jink on mine.
I paid $119.

That is all you need for the front end, except the tool to install the axle shaft seal.


So that is about what, $380 for everything? I think that is the best prices I have found.

Hope this helps!

 

Ball Joints= Moog
Hub bearings= Timken

 

vatozone has the wheel hub bearings in timken for 169.99

 

Thanks for the excellent information!

I've heard conflicting reports on the moog ball joints. Are you pleased with the quality? I've heard the timkin unit bearings are the way to go, and I'm considering warn lockouts. I certainly want this to be right and last a mile or two...LOL

Anyone use Spicer u-joints by any chance?

 

If you have any banging noise when going over bumps may want to do sway bar end links and bushings too. I purchased moog parts from advance auto.

 

Thanks for the advice, they are certainly on my list!

Are you pleased with the moog products?

 

Yeah, I'm satisfied with them and they had them in stock. They had two part numbers for the bushings so you will need to measure the diameter of your sway bar.

 

I use spicer joints best out there IMO. They cost a little more but are worth it I believe. For hubs defiantly WARN, installed mine in December and that makes two sets I have owned on trucks. They are great quality and work smooth. I have heard Timken on the unit bearings, I went went the cheaper due to the price at the time. And I always use MOOG parts for anything suspension and front end related.

 

You're welcome.

I have not used the truck enough to comment on the quality as far as duability, however they appear to be excellent quality based on visual inspection. And they are timken, so that in itself says quality to me.

I went with the Mile Marker simply because they were less expensive and have a reputation of being better quality. To me that is win-win.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks again for all the input. I'm gathering prices and will be ordering today.

One quick question, I see there are two unit bearing assemblies (axle bearing/hub assembly) that fit 1999-2004 F350 SRW 4x4 with ABS. One version has "fine" thread studs and the other has "course" thread studs. I assume they are referring to the lug stud threads. Are there any other differences in the assemblies?

I believe mine are "fine" thread or M14-1.50. I will be checking in a while to confirm.

 

I confirmed I have the "fine" thread version and ordered everything today. My pockets are light and I know where my weekend will be spent...LOL