So, after my fun incident with my rear driveshaft u-joint failing, now I am looking at having to replace parts on the front end. My driver's side ball joints are just starting to have some play. Passenger side are tight. However, the stupid @&$#ing needle bearing in the hub on the passenger side just went bad, so I am driving around with the hubs locked to avoid damaging my axle. Since I am going to have to take everything apart to do the ball joints soon anyway, and the hubs have an unknown number of miles on them (at least 40k), I figure I will replace everything at once.

My question is...what ball joints should I get? My Excursion is lifted and rides on 20x10 wheels with 35x12.50 tires. Just had bad experience with Moog u-joints, so I am a bit gun shy towards them. Have heard xrf are good, but have also heard they haven't lasted very long. OEM Spicer are an option, either from the dealer ($240) or another vendor ($180). Then there are the Dynatrac balljoints. About $540. But no more needing a press to replace balljoints, they can be rebuilt. Anyone have any experience with Dynatrac?

 

No experience with those.
I know you didn't ask but I'll tell you anyway, I've been installing balljoints offered by Napa that are anot anodized gold with blue boots. They are lifetime warranty and are holding up great in the three trucks I've installed them in. So far the three trucks have approximately SRW w/ 25k, DRW w/ 21k, & DRW w/ 18k miles on them and are still tight. They are also greasable.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the input!

 

Thanks, I'll try those next. Lord knows the truck will needs some sooner than later.

 

The xrf ball joints are doing well for me. They are lifetime as well.

 

Also forgot to mention...this will be my X's at least 3rd set of balljoints. I bought it with 84k miles, and it had replacement greasable balljoints on it. I put lift kit and 35's on and now at 122k miles it needs the balljoints replaced. So at least 38k miles on whatever brand these balljoints are.

 

I have the DynaTrac ball joints. 100k miles and no issues

 

That's pretty impressive. This will be the third set for my Excursion, first set I'll have put in. I'm sort of thinking do it once and do it right. But wanted to be sure there were people out there with some miles on them.

Do you have stock size tires or oversize?

 

wheels are stock 20"

 

Thanks for the info

 

Dynatracs ordered today, hopefully they are worth it!

They were extremely helpful to speak with, lots of knowledge, and took the time to talk to me about all the info and answer all my questions.

 

Well, they are in. Ford mechanic said they seem pretty beefy, but who knows

15 miles on them so far and no problems...

 

You've boldly blazed a trail that few dare pony up the bucks for, and didn't bring back pics of your trophies? That's just cruel. Thanks for the follow up report though. Keep us posted on how those work out for you... although some of us might be dead before you ever have a problem, if Dynatrac's marketing is to be believed.

 

My stock ones lasted for 166,000 miles , so I went with ford OEM ones again .

 

Ha ha my bad...and they DO look pretty cool! Here's a pic off the internets...not the same but it'll have to do