Huys, I'm pretty sure I'm due for a ball joint replacement (please take a look at the video for evidence). Last time they went out I paid someone a lot of $ to replace them which is something I can't afford to do again any time soon. That being said, am I in danger trying to drive the truck 80 miles a day for 5-6 days before I can replace everything myself?

Also, while I'm replacing the upper and lower ball joints on both sides I'd like to replace tie rod ends/drag link, brakes and front hubs. Am I missing anything else I should do while I've got it all torn down?

Does anyone have a good exploded view diagram of the 2WD front end?

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zLvnlhNIKCQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks in advance,
Rhodester

 

How exploded?



I had trouble seeing the video since it was kind of small, but I couldn't see any movement in the lower ball joint. Couldn't really see the upper ball joint.

From what I've seen, 5 or 6 days worth of driving wouldn't scare me.

 

Check the upper nuts, one of mine was loose and I tightened it up and all was good.

 

I don't think you have anything to worry about if its only 5-6 days its just going to wander a little bit if they're really worn out bad. The job is a fairly easy one, I used a ball joint press from the O'Reileys loaner tool. I also replaced the front wheel bearings and seals. The worst part of the job was the price of the parts!! I used Moog upper and lower ball joints, and inner and outer tie rods, National bearings and seals, O'Reileys rotors and NAPA ceramic break pads. The whole job took me about 12 hours start to finish but im kinda slow and it cost me right at $650. There are some u-tube videos on the replacement procedure but its a pretty straight-forward job.

 

The job is a fairly easy one, I used a ball joint press from the O'Reileys loaner tool. I also replaced the front wheel bearings and seals. The worst part of the job was the price of the parts!! I used Moog upper and lower ball joints, and inner and outer tie rods, National bearings and seals, O'Reileys rotors and NAPA ceramic break pads. The whole job took me about 12 hours start to finish but im kinda slow and it cost me right at $650. There are some u-tube videos on the replacement procedure but its a pretty straight-forward job.[/QUOTE]

^ Ditto, but man do we get ripped off for parts up here in Canada. I paid double the amount you did and I didn't do, rotors, pads, seals bearings or tie rods!!

 

It's hard to tell what's moving in that video, but I'd say your ball joints are fine. If you drive it 80 miles a day for the next couple weeks, it won't be ball joints that leave you stranded.