Ball Joint time.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Charles Town, WV
Ball Joint time.
I failed annual inspection due to my driver's lower BJ failing so I need to get at least that side done this week so I can get a current sticker on the truck. The weather will be then in the mid 50s Tuesday then it drops a bit colder so it looks like I may take a vacation day and do it then.
Now, due to time constraints, I'm looking at the Napa Premium balljoints. I read here that there's a kevlar lining or sleeve inside to help prolong it's life. The lowers are $84 each and uppers are $50 something each. I asked and they are made in Taiwan. When I did these on my F250, I believe I used Moog but sold the truck for the X so I have no idea how they are doing now.
I see a lot of guys are using the XRF balljoints which I believe are also made overseas. These are a lot less money, $130 for a set of four, which makes me a little nervous about using them. We haven't really seen failures yet but these seem to be relatively new to the market, so it's all relative. Because I need these quick, it looks like I'm down to Napa or Moog.
Thoughts, opinions, ideas? Thanks.
Now, due to time constraints, I'm looking at the Napa Premium balljoints. I read here that there's a kevlar lining or sleeve inside to help prolong it's life. The lowers are $84 each and uppers are $50 something each. I asked and they are made in Taiwan. When I did these on my F250, I believe I used Moog but sold the truck for the X so I have no idea how they are doing now.
I see a lot of guys are using the XRF balljoints which I believe are also made overseas. These are a lot less money, $130 for a set of four, which makes me a little nervous about using them. We haven't really seen failures yet but these seem to be relatively new to the market, so it's all relative. Because I need these quick, it looks like I'm down to Napa or Moog.
Thoughts, opinions, ideas? Thanks.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
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From: Georgia
I put Ford ball joints back in mine. The originals lasted 165K miles. Plus, they have new ones that are you can grease. Ford, didn't have but one of the uppers in stock, so one of them is a Moog. Not worried about either one.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
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From: Stevens Point, WI
I go for all moog stuff. If it doesn't have a grease fitting I drill a hole and put one in.
I have done new cheap auto parts store ball joints in cars before that failed alignment attempts right off the bat and needed to be changed again.
I have done new cheap auto parts store ball joints in cars before that failed alignment attempts right off the bat and needed to be changed again.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: N. IL
Here's how to put the zerk in if you get non-greasable ones. On the upper one, it already had a zerk. I put in a right angle one to make it easier to grease (might not work for all brands of ball joint).
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
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From: Stevens Point, WI
Whats wrong with the sway bar? Whats the tank for and the wires? Is that a stock trans X-member that wraps around the side of the frame?
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: N. IL
1. The sway bar is disconnected in the photo - was trying to track down the popping sound - wasn't caused by the tired anti-sway link ends. Plus sometimes I disconnect it before off roading to get a lot more flex out of the front end. If you don't wire it up, it drops down and looks funny. 
I broke the sway bar strap on a rock a while back, so had a 3/4 inch bar welded on over the stock strap (makes bushing removal a challenge though... see pic).
2. The tank and wires are for the Viair system, that's where I store the compressed air. Compressor is under the hood where the charcoal canister used to was. Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - wpnaes's Album: Various Ex Work - Picture
3. Yeah, stock trans support on a 2000. Does yours look different?
I broke the sway bar strap on a rock a while back, so had a 3/4 inch bar welded on over the stock strap (makes bushing removal a challenge though... see pic).2. The tank and wires are for the Viair system, that's where I store the compressed air. Compressor is under the hood where the charcoal canister used to was. Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - wpnaes's Album: Various Ex Work - Picture
3. Yeah, stock trans support on a 2000. Does yours look different?
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Charles Town, WV
Thanks everyone. I'm still leaning toward the Napa premiums. While I'm all for buying OEM and understand they 'lasted this long', that doesn't mean they're now coming for the same supplier or have the same quality. The XRFs have a good warranty but I'd have to send off for them. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Napa. I'll keep this thread updated. Thanks again.
. What are the odds I can re-use that sucka? When I did my F250 three years ago that seal was $36.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Southwest VA
You can as long as they are not stuck.....made sure I had a lot of lube on the outside diameter on my new ones in hopes to use them over during the next balljoint replacement.......had to tear my originals up to get them out......but I'd have the new ones on hand just in case.