So it looks like the ball joints are on their way out -- tires are wearing on the inside edge out and there's play at 6 & 12 when the wheels are off the ground. This job is way above my pay grade, what should I expect the repair to cost? Are Moog ball joints still the way to go? Anyone have a part number and source?

 

Don't know how much it costs to have it done, but here's the Moog P/Ns:

Lower ball joints – Moog – K7397
Upper ball joints – Moog – K7394

 

Mine had the upper and lowers replaced on the drivers side only last year. For some reason the passenger side is still good. It cost me around $300 to have the shop do it.

 

I'm getting both sides done and it will cost about $450.

Dave

 

Well, the mystery deepens. I took the truck in to have the ball joints replaced and the shop said all joints are within spec and that the front end was completely tight and within all specs. Any other thoughts on what would cause the inside of the tires to wear more than the rest of the tire? The shop said they thought it was a tire issue that occurs at around 50K miles. I guess I need to post something to other BFG Allterrain owners.

 

BFG all terrains are a 40k tire and you have 50k.

 

Well, actually only 43,000. I have never heard they're only good for 40K.

 

Improper alignment maybe? 145k on my truck and no issues with inside wear on tires. If they were a front end shop.....and good, they should have been able to tell you the "why". just my .02

 

Any resolve to your issue?

 

My daughter is near to needing this on a 95. Any more information as to what you found out?

 

If its not the ball joints, what about the wheel hubs and tie rod ends? Youll need to pry on stuff with a crowbar to get some of these issues to show up when youre under the truck.
Ive done ball joints on the truck a couple times now. Its not as bad as it looks. Theres a trick to getting the wheel hubs out of the knuckle, that will be the worst part if the flange wasnt coated with grease or anti-sieze before.

 

kawi, did you need any special tools to do it?

 

I had mechanics telling me my front end was fine when I had 2 tie rod ends, 4 ball joints and a sway bar link shot. They try and move things with hands like it is a 2000lb honda not a 7,000 truck.

 

Exactly take some effort to check them.

 

I rented a ball joint press and receiver kit from a auto parts store here. Use the press ( a giant c clamp ) and an air impact gun to drive it. just use the receiving cups and plates in combination to drive the ball joints out of the knuckle.
Youll need a 9/16 12 point socket for the hub retaining bolts on the knuckle.
Be careful when you insert the axle stub it may disturb the seals. Every time I do this !$@#$ job on the right side I gotta take the cover off the CAD and put everything back in order there.