Ball Joint Issues
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 749
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix, Az
Ball Joint Issues
I just replaced the ball joints on my 99 F250 SD 4x4. Driver side was a bit stiff to turn the knuckle. Passenger side is very hard to turn. The upper stud wanted to turn in the sleeve after torqueing to spec. I had to lean on it to lock it into place. I have to check today to see if parts store is open to get a new set. The brand name is "Drive Works". I have installed ball joints in this vehicle previously, and in another Ford truck with the same style. I have the proper tools to do the job.
I have to determine if both joints are tight or just the upper. I won't buy the same brand again.
I have to determine if both joints are tight or just the upper. I won't buy the same brand again.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
I really like the MOOG suspension parts that I've used on previous trucks (and cars). The brand you have sounds like a 'store brand' repackaged from who knows what manufacturer (or where). I try to stick with nationally known repair parts whenever possible.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Sorry to say it, but you're now learning why most of us won't buy store brand parts. Driveworks is the Advance Auto Parts house brand, and most of them are cheap imported junk.
Check out these threads:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-screw-up.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ll-joints.html
Check out these threads:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-screw-up.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ll-joints.html
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 13
I've found that I have to torque the lower ball joint first and then smack the upper sleeve down with a hammer and socket to seat it, then torque the upper in order to get no preload on the upper ball joint.
Moog has become just as bad as those sold in discount parts stores, such as Advance and AutoZone. Most of those parts even carry the same part number as the Moog ball joints. I've found Raybestos to be the best, and I've installed plenty of them without one person ever coming back complaining about stiff steering, wandering or steering not returning to center. I've had to re-replace Moog ball joints with Raybestos because of these reasons in the past.
Moog has become just as bad as those sold in discount parts stores, such as Advance and AutoZone. Most of those parts even carry the same part number as the Moog ball joints. I've found Raybestos to be the best, and I've installed plenty of them without one person ever coming back complaining about stiff steering, wandering or steering not returning to center. I've had to re-replace Moog ball joints with Raybestos because of these reasons in the past.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 12
From: Tulare, CA
I agree with Thor's Hammer - I use NOTHING but Raybestos Professional Grade suspension parts on my vehicles & have never had a problem.
Last edited by HearseDriver; Jul 5, 2015 at 07:24 PM. Reason: left out information
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