I just put new tires on my all stock '96 2500 4x4. I took it to an alignment shop who told me I needed upper and lower ball joints, and a tie-rod end on the driver's side. They quoted a price of 1360.00 for the job, and I declined. I have around 212,000 miles on the truck and the joints are original. How long should they last? I'll gladly replace both sides myself, (no way in the world I'd only do one side), but I never noticed any play in the front end. The truck isn't worked all that hard, and I wonder how long the OEM joints should last? Any ideas?

 

I'd definitely do one side. There's really no labour savings in both - each side is it's own job.

Balljoint lifespan varies with use and conditions. Muddy washboard gravel road miles will pound them out faster. They last longer with regular greasing.

 

I'm doing the repair so there is no labor cost. I'd never spend almost $1400.00 for two ball joints, a tie rod end, and an alignment. I just wondered what the life expectancy of the ball joints should be.

 

212k miles is lots. I figure most would be done at 100-150k.

Good on you for DIY.

 

Thanks for the reply! It isn't a job I want to do, but it's pretty straightforward, just a pain in the butt. Like most suspension jobs.

 

Joints are in. No real issues other than it took a little while. The old ones were definitely loose. Now to get the alignment done.

 

You did both sides? Were both sides worn out? I have a 96 that has death wobble & I know the right ball joints and tie rod end are bad, the left side seems fine.

 

I did. Both sides were bad enough to warrant changing, although the left was worse than the right.

 

I've done my own driveway alignments for solid-axle trucks the last 20 years. Not difficult once you get the hang of it.

 

Upper and lower Ball Joints on each side=4

 

I just saw this. Not sure what you mean, but as the first post says, shop quoted $1,400.00 for the joints on the drivers side,( two), a tie-rod end, and an alignment.