I know this topic has been talked about alot, but after searching the forums I still had a couple of questions.

I'm in a small town where the local shops I've called won't install aftermarket parts (Carli), and I don't have the time, shop space or tools to do it myself. My truck has 94K miles.

So . . . I've got two options for ball joints:

1) McQuay-Norris Extreme BJs
2) Raybestos Professional (supposedly a "new" design?)

I called the M-N Tech Hotline to ask about the two brands (since they're owned by the same company), and the guy on the hotline was quick to say the Raybestos Professional was a better, more durable, BJ.

Any thoughts or opinions?

Finally, is it typical for shops to mark up the price of parts 2-2.5 times the price you can get them for on line?!

 

www.dieselpowerproducts.com sells Carli's and can recommend a local shop to install. Might be worth the drive

 

Yup, and what's worse is they are usually getting discount rates from the distributor to start out with.

 

Just put carli's on there and be done with it.....

 

I put in the Raybestos ones you speak of. Very satisfied with them, and both uppers and lowers are greasable.

 

I've had the Carlis since 2009 and 70000 miles with no issues. I'm running 35's on rough roads and they are holding up fine. Worth the money for sure.

 

Or do what I do... show up at the mechanic's with parts in hand! Pay for labor only and if your mechanic has issue, tell him you will not hold him responsible for part warranty unless it's shown they were installed improperly.

I've been running the dynatrac prosteer for around 75000 miles and they are great and rebuildable in place if I need to. No more paying to have them pressed in and out!

 

A local shop I frequent has installed many Carli's and Dynatracs and has yet to see a return. The owners beat on their trucks in the desert and Baja.
On the other hand,Carli was recommending McQuay Norris until his product was perfected. Lots of labor.