I've got a nice poping sound when I turn hard at slow speeds or hit bumps, like in a parking lot. I'm pretty sure it's a ball joint, especially after reading all the ball joint issues 3rd Gens are having.

My question is, assuming it's a bad ball joint would it make sense to replace them both top and bottom on the affected side, what about the other side? I'm looking at the XRF joints, is it okay to replace the joints on one side with the XRF units and leave a different type on the other?

The truck only has 40k on it and the suspension is all stock so I am hoping to not have to replace all four joints at the same time already.

 

I would do all four myself. Why would you not do both when one side is shot? "One of my socks really smells but the other one is ok I think"

 

My advice having done this a few times, is it is such a pain to get at them, it would benefit you tremendously to tackle them all at the same time. If one is shot you can be assure that the rest aren't far behind. I would also look at the u-joint as well. Remember, once you get the bearing and everything else off, anti-seize is your best friend!!!