I just rotated the tires, took it for a spin around the block and when I was re-torquing the lugnuts I noticed both front wheels appeared to be leaning top out, I jacked up the front end and watched as both wheels came back to straight, I then employed the wife with a pry bar to lift the wheels while I watched the joints, there is only slight (2mm) play up and down but my question is...

Does anyone know what DC specs are on balljoint play?

I'm taking the truck to the dealership in the morning to get the oil changed etc. (heading out to the bush for 3 weeks) and I have a funny feeling they are going to say "They are within DC spec" (I hate that sentence).

 

I called up Moog tech line, they make ball joints for our trucks. The tech guy has a dodge. He said some up and down is OK, nothing else is OK.

 

I believe the uppers are .060 and the lowers are .090.

Pete

 

Why are you taking your truck in to a dealer for an oil change? It's easy, fun, and saves a bunch of money!

 

just ordered axle u-joints and ball joints for my truck from rock auto. both are toast and 63,000 miles.

 

Since I am an old Moog Man here is the skinny on your joints. The upper joints are loaded joints. The lower are carrier joints. You can get by with a bit of play in the upper joints. But as a general rule any play in upper joints is cause to replace them since they are usually spring loaded. Any play would indicate a lot of wear. Most of the time you can't get any movement from an upper joint because it is a loaded joint. The lower joints have a tolerance which is a lot greater than the upper by a lot. Fact is this. Any movement that causes tire were is cause for replacement. Had you taken your truck to a shop that checked the front end prior to doing the alignment they should have told you the joints were either too loose or OK. The question is How Loose Is Too Loose. It's too loose if it causes tire wear, period.