Looks like its time for me to replace the steering ball joints from the gear box to the spindle and from spindle to spindle as well. Who makes the best ball joints? Are there aftermarket ones that are superior and more durable?

 

Moog.

Avoid the Chinese stuff if at all possible. Unless its ready to fall off and you're broke.

 

Moog serviceable.

 

I used to be a fan of moog, recently a lot of their products have gone overseas! I have always used XRF with great results and never had issues in the past. The City I used to work for only supplied XRF parts. I put them in everything from F250-F550s. Those trucks got beat plowing 24-7 in the winter months alone. If you can imagine the stress of a 10' Western steel plow hanging on an F550 and bouncing over every crater size pothole in the city you'll never look at front ends the same again. XRF is 100% USA made and in terms of quality one of the best.

We used to get our parts from a local NAPA who's manager of 25 years said moog is going downhill since moving overseas. Not all of their products are overseas yet but a good majority are. NAPA used to carry re-boxed moog parts for the chassis line but is now XRF, at least in my area.

I currently have all 4 XRF ball joints in my 1995 F250 plow truck with a 8' steel plow setup. I bought the truck at 110,000 miles and it needed the entire front end gone through, and almost everything replaced. I went with moog Ball joints and tie rods etc.. At 150,000 miles only 40,000 miles later I had a nasty clunk after a hard winter. I took the truck back to the shop that did it and both lower ball joints were bad! I had them replace everything again with XRF parts. Fast forward to present day and almost 215,000 hard miles on the truck, I have 65,000 miles on the XRF parts and I still have zero issues after years of hard driving and plowing I will never use any other brand but XRF.

I know everyone has their preference but personally I have really taken a liking to XRF, They also have a million mile warranty (same as "lifetime"). Their customer support is outstanding and took the time to sort out my order and make sure it was right the first time. I currently have all 4 XRF ball joints in my Excursion had I have also had zero issues with that truck as well.


XRF Chassis | Automotive and Heavy Duty Chassis Parts | Canada and Unites States

 

With a testimonial like that, who would not be swayed. You should be an XRF salesman! The chicom crap is just that...crap. I am officially sold on the XRF, nothing like real world beat down stories to sell a product. Where can I get my hands on XRF locally? Does NAPA carry these products or do I go directly to the source?

 

I believe you have to search for a distributor in your area. I was able to get mine through NAPA, I believe you can also call them directly and I'm pretty sure they will either send them that way or locate a distributor. Either way they are worth it IMO. It seems that more and more quality companies go overseas now a days.

 

Just what the doctor ordered.
The Tire Club

 

XRF Ball joint's are made in Taiwan. I was pretty upset when I installed mine, and saw the made in Taiwan on the box. They still get rave reviews.

 

Check Dana Spicer. They offer a superior ball joint (and U-joints etc...)...hands down, no comparison to all the others period. And yes broke or not stay clear of the chineasium junk for many reasons including your safety. With luck they are still USA...but ask.

 

I use Spicer for all my u joints. Didn't know they made ball joints.

 

I Emailed XRF (for giggles I guess) about why not make them in America or Canada. I am bummed about Moog, and XRF being made over sea's.
Dana Spicer Ball Joint's are what your truck has from the factory, as the Dana 50/ 60 (If 4X4) is a Dana axle. What grade they are.....?.

 

From what I have found in other truck forums, XRF is just repackaged BAW auto parts, Made in taiwan.

 

wow, this thread prompted me to do about 2 hours of ball joint research. Spicer Professional grade with the non knurled finish, gold color, blue boots are highest recommended. That being said, they might send you knurled bodied ones and those have less pre-load even though they are in the same packaging. The re-badged Spicer is Raybestos Professional grade. So which ever you can find cheaper and non knurled will be the best option unless you want to move into like 600.00 dollar rebuild-able ball joints.

 

I had a 87 S15 Blazer....junk....that would eat ball joints about every 10K. Put the Spicer blue boot joints on never looked back. That was 10 years ago I sold this turd. The guy that bought it still has it...same joints. This is just one example of why I dont use of shore garbage. Spicer is all I use for chassis parts.