CTD2001

Trying to determine weather or not my ball joints are in need of being replaced. I jacked the truck up and had it a couple of inches off the ground and put a pry bar under the front tire and lifted up and down and noticed some up and down movement with a clunking noise. I took it to a mechanic and showed him what it was doing and the movement it had and he said that the amount of movement that was present was acceptable. There was no side to side movement, just up and down. I dont know if i should go ahead and replace them or just keep running them. I also notice a slight groaning noise coming from the passenger side when i make a left hand turn. Any input would be great, thanks

torquefan

I would measure the play with a dial indicator after looking up the spec. They do allow quite a bit of axial play, I think it is about .060", and I would leave them alone if they are still within that. There's nothing wrong with a little bit of play.

CTD2001

Thanks for the info, ill have to measure and see how much play there is.

DNRCustoms

A little up in down is ok.. Side to side not so... I would check those Hub bearing assy and the front U joints.. those could very well be were your noises are coming from

sheriffav8r

Check the hub bearing assembly!

SIXSLUG

A very thin silver ring is normal at the seal on the lowers, about the thickness of a paper match. More than that and you get the play that allows the rest of the steering components to wear prematurely.

If you end up replacing them, go with Moog's best parts.

johnh

moog: made in china!

nickg

If only a small amount of up/down play, just keep an eye on it periodically, if too excessive it will allow the axel to push on the inner axel seal, causing an axel seal leak.

if its groaning on turns, could very well be a failing wheel bearing

SIXSLUG

A history of researching the front end problems associated with these trucks resulted in a vast majority of subscribers to this forum feeling that the best results were had using MOOG ball joints, regardless of where they are made, they seem to be holding up quite well.

Just my .02