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So it's time for new ball joints. I saw ed the parts guy has a kit with greasable joints and all the seals/orings for just under $ 350.00. Local parts houses want a little under $200 for moog or spicer joints but don't carry the orings. So the question is what are the seals worth? It is cost effective to run around town for the rest of the parts or just go with the kit?
I was also wondering about the inner oil seals at the differential. What the chance of them keeping a good seal when you reinsert the axle. No one really addresses this or is it even a problem.
I opted to buy a kit. I had no issues with leaks from the inner axle seals. There is a guide tube in the housing that helps align the end of the axle with the seal. As long as the splines and tube are clean and without burrs, the axle will go back in without any problems. Did mine about 3 yrs ago.
Jack one side up, grab the top and bottom of the tire with your hands and pull back and forth. There should be no play. Everything should be tight, if not you need new ones. Roy
In my case I did not have any play in the ball joints but more of a sticking issue as the wheel turns. I had a hard time believing it was ball joints until it was on the alignment rack with weight on the wheels and the steering rod disconnected. As you turned the wheel side-to-side you could feel a flat spot, take the weight off the wheel and they turned smooth as silk.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o> <o></o> Thanks for the information on the kit; I think that is the easiest way to go.<o></o> <o></o> Richard<o></o>
X2 on Ed's kit, I put it in last winter. If you to tear into everything anyhow on the ball joints, might as well reseal everything while you are there was my thinking.