Ball joint replacement options

sahls01gmc · February 13, 2014

I need to replace the ball joints on my truck, and I'm trying to weigh on some new options.

Should I just replace the ball joints, or is it worth the extra $ to replace the whole control arm as well? Rockauto has hard to beat prices, but I am slightly concerned with replacing the lower control arms because of the torsion bars.

Does anyone have a "Must have" list of things to replace on a truck with 255,000 miles?

Any tips appreciated.

Thanks

kstruckcountry · February 13, 2014

I'm planning on doing my entire front end when it needs it. I'm doing all the ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends, and bushings.

sahls01gmc · February 13, 2014

You doing the ball joints, or the whole control arm? I like having the new bushings on the control arms, but just wonder if it's worth the effort messing with the trosion bars.

kstruckcountry · February 13, 2014

I'm planning on just the ball joints and pressing new bushings in. The torsion bars only take 20 minutes or so, and if you don't get the height perfect, you have to get an alignment anyways so the shop can get it dialed back in for you.

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Prokopchuk_9 · February 13, 2014

I wouldn't change control arms...why? Just change balls joints and tie rods. Check steering out as well...

sahls01gmc · February 13, 2014

I wouldn't change control arms...why? Just change balls joints and tie rods. Check steering out as well...

Here's my thought:

RockAuto upper control arm (with new bushings and ball joint) $55

That way I wouldn't have to press any new bushings in....thinking that would save time. Might be worth the extra money.

I am going to plan on also doing all the tie-rod ends, and pitman arm, and idler arm.

kstruckcountry · February 13, 2014

I am planning on adding the Cognito arm support kit to mine. Cost $200 something I think. I think I put the cost of the whole project around $800.

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Prokopchuk_9 · February 13, 2014

I wouldn't change control arms...why? Just change balls joints and tie rods. Check steering out as well...

Here's my thought:

RockAuto upper control arm (with new bushings and ball joint) $55

That way I wouldn't have to press any new bushings in....thinking that would save time. Might be worth the extra money.

I am going to plan on also doing all the tie-rod ends, and pitman arm, and idler arm.

Don't cheap out on front end parts you'll pay more in the end

Prokopchuk_9 · February 13, 2014

My trucks have only received moog replacements. That's what's in mine now, Fab tec HD tie rods, cogito idler/pitman arm supports and HD sway bar end links. This summer I'm doing th full kryptonite sway bar kit. I also have billet center link as well...

sahls01gmc · February 13, 2014

The part I was referencing was the MOOG part #. The same part # from O'reillys was $125. I figured if I saved money buying it from RockAuto, I would allow myself to spend the extra money on better quality parts.

Ball joint and bushings for 1 side would be $50 from O'reilly's. For $5 more, I could get MOOG parts in a new control arm and not have mess with pressing in new parts if I order and wait for it to show up at my doorstep.

I think I'll start ordering some parts in this "cooler" weather, and be ready for install once the warm weather breaks.

Prokopchuk_9 · February 14, 2014

That's not bad actually!! Why so cheap??? Usually a little more expensive than that!!

sahls01gmc · February 14, 2014

That's not bad actually!! Why so cheap??? Usually a little more expensive than that!!

RockAuto takes out the middleman I suppose. What I usually do when looking for parts is go to O'reillys to get the part number of what I want, and then verify that RockAuto has it. 99 times out of 100 they have had the exact same part, and usually it is considerably less. O'reillys is great if you need the part RIGHT NOW, but some careful planning has saved my quite a bit lately.

The parts I looked up are the stock MOOG replacements. RockAuto also has a MOOG part with an upgraded bearing for $69, and it also has an offset bushing setup for an additional 2 degrees alignment for $96. Since my truck is stock suspension, didn't think I need extra adjustment. But I may spring for the upgraded bearing setup for longer life.