How do you tell if you have a seized ball joint?

I have a 98 Ranger 4x4 and it was squeaking in the passenger front end. I determined the creak was coming from the lower ball joint and took it to the dealer to get it replaced. As expected the garage told me all the ball joints need replacing. I only got the two lower ones replaced because I don't have the special tools to get to them. They told me the two upper ball joints were seized. I looked at them and moved the truck up and down and they both seem to have movement.

Is the dealer pulling my chain or there a special way to check for seizure?


Thanks

 

Hi! I am new to this site and this is my first reply, so I hope it helps. For question about seized balljoints, You can take the outer tie rods out of the steering knuckles and the knuckles should turn left and right fairly easy, while front of truck is jacked up,if the ball joint is not seized.
Hope this helps.