New ball joints already?
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New ball joints already?
Took my '98 5.4 4x4 to the shop this weekend to get the tires rotated...When I went to pick it up, they recommended I replace the upper/lower ball joints, idler arm, and pitman arm. He showed me where my new tires are wearing abnormally. The worn ball joints are probably why the truck doesn't ride very smooth, even with fairly new shocks and tires.
...My question...Are these trucks notorious for worn out ball joints at this low of mileage? (139,xxx) And could worn out ball joints be causing a 'rough' ride on new pavement and the fairly new shocks and tires? Just curious.
...My question...Are these trucks notorious for worn out ball joints at this low of mileage? (139,xxx) And could worn out ball joints be causing a 'rough' ride on new pavement and the fairly new shocks and tires? Just curious.
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From: penn twp.
yes and this is probably not the first time it been done to your truck. if it is i'm surprised. i just replaced all that stuff on my expy.( the exact same steering setup) for the 3rd time at 135,xxx miles. as far as a rough ride i don't think that would be the cause. however it would cause the truck to wonder all over the road and give you exccessive play at the steering wheel. but worn out or overly tightened tosion bars would give you a rough ride. just as worn out coil/leaf springs would.
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From: AZ
Took my '98 5.4 4x4 to the shop this weekend to get the tires rotated...When I went to pick it up, they recommended I replace the upper/lower ball joints, idler arm, and pitman arm. He showed me where my new tires are wearing abnormally. The worn ball joints are probably why the truck doesn't ride very smooth, even with fairly new shocks and tires.
...My question...Are these trucks notorious for worn out ball joints at this low of mileage? (139,xxx) And could worn out ball joints be causing a 'rough' ride on new pavement and the fairly new shocks and tires? Just curious.
...My question...Are these trucks notorious for worn out ball joints at this low of mileage? (139,xxx) And could worn out ball joints be causing a 'rough' ride on new pavement and the fairly new shocks and tires? Just curious.
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From: AZ
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Keep them clean and don't get too crazy on rough roads. I thought it was crazy too and I was expecting a failure but I pay real close attention to the undercarriages of my vehicles and keep things pressure washed and lubed up.
It may have something to do with the mix I am using too. I mix up marine grade grease with neverseez then pack it into a syringe and inject then pull the boot back enough to get the tube in and pack the boot. I've done this about 8 times since 2000 on the uppers and lowers (when I do brake jobs).
It may have something to do with the mix I am using too. I mix up marine grade grease with neverseez then pack it into a syringe and inject then pull the boot back enough to get the tube in and pack the boot. I've done this about 8 times since 2000 on the uppers and lowers (when I do brake jobs).
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From: AZ
Keep them clean and don't get too crazy on rough roads. I thought it was crazy too and I was expecting a failure but I pay real close attention to the undercarriages of my vehicles and keep things pressure washed and lubed up.
It may have something to do with the mix I am using too. I mix up marine grade grease with neverseez then pack it into a syringe and inject then pull the boot back enough to get the tube in and pack the boot. I've done this about 8 times since 2000 on the uppers and lowers (when I do brake jobs).
It may have something to do with the mix I am using too. I mix up marine grade grease with neverseez then pack it into a syringe and inject then pull the boot back enough to get the tube in and pack the boot. I've done this about 8 times since 2000 on the uppers and lowers (when I do brake jobs).
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I'd sure like too but I'd have to drill into the joint and last time I tried it didn't work out so well. This is on my 4.2V-6 too. Now this week it just started acting up a little bit but I suspect that's due to dirt gumming up the throttle or IAC like the guys said. I've only changed the IAC, alternator, DPFE, and throttle position sensor on this truck since I've bought it new. Still gets factory mileage and doesn't leak a drop, every 50K I retourque the chassis, engine, and driveline. I suspect very few are as **** as me with upkeep. I'm pretty easy with my stuff too. That really plays a major hand. The truck is factory everything. No engine swap. Now the body has seen better days for sure 
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I have 178,000 on my original 2002 ball joints. No issues.
I would be surprised if all that was really wrong. Take a a trusted alignment shop and have them check it out. Or you can yourself by doing this:
Jack up the front of the truck. Grab tire at top and bottom and try to wiggle top to bottom. There should be no play. If there is, then either the top or bottom (or possibly both are bad). You should be able to look behind and wiggle the tire and see which ball joint is moving.
Tie rod end can be checked by wiggling the tire front to back. Again there should be no movement before the steering engages.
I would be surprised if all that was really wrong. Take a a trusted alignment shop and have them check it out. Or you can yourself by doing this:
Jack up the front of the truck. Grab tire at top and bottom and try to wiggle top to bottom. There should be no play. If there is, then either the top or bottom (or possibly both are bad). You should be able to look behind and wiggle the tire and see which ball joint is moving.
Tie rod end can be checked by wiggling the tire front to back. Again there should be no movement before the steering engages.
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Wow, thanks for all the replies guys. Regarding some of the posts...I forgot to mention that I took it to a total of 2 shops and the dealership, and they all told me they need replacing.
The shop I'm taking it to on Friday is installing Moog parts with the grease fittings, so hopefully the new ones last a while.
The shop I'm taking it to on Friday is installing Moog parts with the grease fittings, so hopefully the new ones last a while.
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