ball joints
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
You can try, I would think so but Advanced Auto has them if you have a store close by, best thing is check out their web-sites and look for them that way. I had mine done and the shop got them, cheaper to get them yourself and ask how much to install if you were going that route. Lowers go for about 60.00 and uppers about 45.00, good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Miami Beach
I did mine after about the 4th set of wheel bearings. I switched to the Dynatrac free spin front end kit, but bought my ball joints at Auto Zone, and also rented the press. Mine were so bad I took almost the whole day to pull the drivers side, and 30 minutes to pull the passenger side. Passenger side was so bad it basically fell out of the spindle. I think I used Guzzles write up at the time, and haven;t found a better one since.
Mike
Mike
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Beaver Dam, KY
I had mine changed yesterday, upper and lower. They only had 70k on them (2001). They were making a thump when you stopped. The truck really drives good now and I took it to have aligned and was ok, I'm happy except for the cost.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: Darrington, WA
Funny you should ask what it would cost at the dealer. I was just there yesterday to have my drivers side window looked at. To replace the window regulator, passenger side lock actuator were about $535. I asked for an estimate of changing my upper and lower ball joints, tie rods, alignment (about $1926)and installing shocks ($200). The total including the window and lock was $2661 (going by memory here) Labor $1161 (which was mostly the alignment I assume), Parts $1300, tax $200 I know I can save some bucks by doing myself from reading what you guys write about but the list of things to do at home doesn't allow me a lot of tie for anything. And to get it all done in one day, to me priceless! So I have to drop it off in the am and I will have it at the end of day. Looking forward to see how it drives. I have 269,000 on the original ball joints and tie rods, the shock were changed once before. I was considering buying a new truck until I seen the price of them. $50,000/$60,000 
Forget it! 
No bail out from me! I'll drive this truck until the body falls off.
Forget it! No bail out from me! I'll drive this truck until the body falls off.
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Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 568
Likes: 0
From: Irwin,Pa
I just paid $475 for one complete side at one dealership. 3 months ago, I had to change the lower one on the other side for it to pass inspection & it was $196.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Beaver Dam, KY
I had mine replaced at a local garage not dealer, labor for upper and lower both sides was $300.00. I took it to another shop for a lineup was quoted $59.00. Went to pick it up and the charge was $29.00, they said the alignment was ok didn't need anything. I went home a happy camper.