Do I Need Ball Joints on my 4x4?

[Osito]

I have an '01 Ranger Four Door (not Crew Cab) 4x4 with 4.0L, auto, extra heavy duty suspension, and 135K miles. I took it to Plaza Tire for a Missouri State Inspection, and was told the ball joints need replacing - 1/2" play on both sides. They want $320+ for the repair.

I bought the truck used a year ago, and put 18+K miles of easy driving in last year. The truck passed inspection last year. I put new tires all around w/ alignment about 10-1/2 months ago - no mention of ball joints. I had one tire reseated and tires rotated 3 months ago - no mention of ball joints. Had front brakes and rotors replaced a month ago - no mention of ball joints. The truck drives great. No weirdness on bumps and dips, tight steering.

I don't know if I can trust this shop, and have no shop in this area that I can trust for certain. Is there some way I can test the ball joints to verify they need replacing, without going to a lot of trouble? Is this normal for a gently treated truck with 135K?

I know of two places that will pass this truck as-is, but if the ball joints really need replacing, I would want that done.

Any suggestions?

 

[TheOne]

lift the wheel up and grab tire at 12 and 6 and pull one end out while pushing the other end in...that will tell u how bad ur ball joints are!

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Not on his style of suspension.

You need to support and lift the truck up one side at a time with a floor jack under the lower control arm. Get a decent length pry bar (24-36" will work fine). Lift it till the tire is about 2 inches off the ground, put the bar under the tire and pry upwards against the tire. Have someone watching the upper and lower ball joints for play.

The lower ball joint is serviceable and can be pressed out of the lower control arm and replaced with a new one. The upper ball joint is replaced as a complete upper control arm/ball joint assembly. Once the ball joints are replaced you should have the alignment checked.

 

[99offroad]

Just a guess.....If they have never been replaced I would guess they are probably bad. Over 135,000 miles on an eight year old truck. Remember your IFS ball joints flex at ever bump you hit unlike the ttb

 

[JohnnyO]

Pfft, I had one of the ball joints replaced on my old '02 Ranger on warranty. Meaning less than 36,000 miles.

 

[Osito]

Thanks for the answers, guys!