Upper ball joint replacement
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 873
Likes: 37
From: Ohio
Upper ball joint replacement
I found out my upper ball joints are shot, so I ordered replacements from RockAuto. Afterwards, I did some checking around and wondered if the whole control arm needs replaced. The alignment shop just mentioned ball joints so I’m hoping they can be pressed out. One video said the whole upper arm would have to be replaced, but they sell plenty on RockAuto without the whole arm. I don’t really want to get started and then find out I need different parts.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 26,194
Likes: 4,151
From: Near Cal. Avenue
You may need a butane torch with a hose to heat the area where the Ball joint needs to disconnect after removing the nut.
I recommend the hose style as it is a safer method. It will also loosen a red Loctite fastener. Sometimes for no reason
They just get red Loctite, because someone dis something with the suspension in the past.
The picture is the reason for the disassembly. You then need to have its alignment checked. Replace the shocks with gas
is my recommendation at this time also. A 2" lift shock is a great choice; you will like it. Levels the truck out. Changing Tie Rod
Ends are a great choice now too.
Since you have it apart I would also recommend replacement of the front wheel bearings. Not knowing your mileage they usually fail around 100,000 miles and make a noise.
Lots easier to change them with the spindle off. 18 wheelers are just turning our roads around here into chuck holes and ripples. Very hard on the bearings.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 873
Likes: 37
From: Ohio
I put Bilstein shocks on at 28K right after I bought the truck. They should still be good with only around 55k miles since then. I needed a little lift for snowplowing. So the video shows replacing arms. I’m sure that might be a little easier, but the parts are more expensive.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 873
Likes: 37
From: Ohio
I try to avoid Amazon for car parts, you can’t always trust that they aren’t fake brand names. I found some on RockAuto for about $50 each. Mevotech is the brand, which I know nothing about. I guess you never know about Moog parts whether they are made in China. I think you have to be familiar with the part numbering. The Alignment Shop told me the strut needs to come off to get the bolts out. We’ll see, but I’m hoping not, but I don’t think even that should be hard.
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