I got a 1988 f150 4x4 I'm trying to decide what ball joints to get I was originally gonna get some Moog ones but I got to looking at the and seem they don't have a intergraded rubber boot which is what I want for them to last longer and perform better. There just like the original ones and the tend to wear out quickly because of that. Anyway I was wanting to see what brand y'all use or have used and what y'all think is the best performing brand.

 

Moog is not made in US any longer and parts are not lasting like they did before.

NAPA gold and Dana/Spicer (same parts) are the best you can buy.

 

Have you used the napa gold ones before?? I was looking at them the looked to have that intergraded boot design..

 

I did steering and suspension for 20 years LOL, yeah I have used them but I cannot remember the boot design. Spicer parts are the real deal though man.

 

Raybestos service grade is reboxed spicer service grade.


Raybestos Professional grade is reboxed spicer Professional grade.


The Moog k80026 and K1895T balljoints I just purchased and installed this weekend were USA made.


The Spicer/Raybestos parts are assembled in USA, so possibly made overseas, then assembled here.


moog problem solver uses a metal gusher bearing


Raybestos Professional grade uses a composite (plastic) socket


Motorcraft is neither, its Taiwan and Mexican made stuff, with motorcraft stamped on it.


All three are greasable. I've read enough and been told enough gossip I'm setting some stuff straight.

 

XRF is also one to consider.

 

FordTruckfan89, I'm a little slow on the uptake, which are you saying is better?

 

So the metal gusher on the Moog ball joints keeps dirt and water outta there? I've always thought Moog was a great brand but when I seen that it had me worried it's rated as a 5 hour job so I don't wanna have to redo it agian anytime soon.. And I of course want them to perform good..

 

And where do you get raybesto ones at? Do any parts store carry them?

 

Its your decision. Different designs. I went with moog, so far so good, Spicer/Raybestos pro grade is what would have come in it from the factory. The factory ball joints that come out of mine, had plastic in the socket, like the spicer/raybestos. XRF is a fairly new company, that deals with commercial trucks and equipment. They are sold online, but I've yet to hear much bad about them. Keep in mine with whatever joint you pick, installation and lubrication is the key to making them last.

 

Yea I know that.. The original ones that are in it aren't grease able. I'll prob end up going with the Moog I always thought they were good.. And I can get a small discount getting the from advance from my work. And I'll prob need to get some wheel bearings next..

 

Advance sells Moog. CARQUEST sells the Spicer/Raybestos parts. If you have time, you can get either much cheaper online from rockauto.com . I haven't found any yet for mine that are sealed, nor do I want any. I have a dana 44hd in my F250, same ball joints as a f150/bronco. You'll have to pack the bearings while your at it. Check this link out, it should help you some. 1990 ball joint replacement - FSB Forums

 

Check NOS parts distributors and eBay, you can probably find something more to your liking if they were made in 1988 instead of 2008, maybe even farther back then that. Ford used the same tie rods from 1935 to 1964 for example.

 

Hey thanks for that link fordtruckfan that's gonna be very helpful.. I guess I might as well replace the wheel bearings while I already got it apart.. And I really need that camber kit but I guess that'll have to wait.

 

The Moogs I just put on my truck were made in USA and Canada. Some of the Napa Gold I've seen lately said they were made in China.