ball joint questions

[goldxlt]

my truck (2003 with torsion) has had a popping noise for a while now while turning, mainly notice it it on low speeds or when the truck is not moving. i have been told its probably the ball joints so i was doing a little reasearch on the subject. how would i know if its the upper or lower ball joints? should they both be replaced at the same time regardless of how they may look?

last question, i checked napas website and the upper ball joints come with a new arm, is this how it is normally done?

 

[pillen140]

jack the front wheel off the ground and push the top and pull the bottom of the tire, and kinda shake the tire. if its loose, look if there is play at the ball joints.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

With the torsion bar front end put a jack under the lower control arm and lift it till that tire is off the ground a couple inches. Grab a long pry bar and put it under the tire and pry upwards. Have someone watch the balljoints to see if they have up/down and side to side play in them. Yes the upper balljoint comes as a control arm assembly. You do not have to replace them in pairs if its not needed.

 

[goldxlt]

cool thanks

 

[hondaxr650]

I've seen a lot of torsion bar Rangers with loose upper control arm bolts too. I'ts worth taking a look.