How do you know when you need new ball joints?

[djo652]

Hey guys...thanks to all the previous replies on my other post. I was told that I need new ball joints by a mechanic. He said this by just looking at the front of the truck for a few seconds and not taking anything apart or seeing anything else. Looking at the truck from the front, both wheels look like they're towed in a bit at the top but they look like they're both in the same amount. Also, the truck drives fine and the tires look like they have even wear. And what typically gets replaced...upper, lower, or both ball joints...probably a stupid question but I never did anything like this?

Should I order new ball joints and replace them or should I inspect them first? And if I inspect them, what am I looking for? I'd order them online if I knew I needed them but don't want to get the in vein. I'd like to avoid my local auto parts store since they're ~ $100 more if I were to get upper/lower on both sides.

1996 Ranger 4WD, Supercab, 146K+ miles

Thanks....Any help is very appreciated!!!

 

[philS]

If a balljoint needs to be replaced, you can move the suspension (by hand) at that joint and there will be slop.

The joint has to move by design, obviously, but not to the point where you can move it around easily. Sometimes you can spot a bad joint by jacking up that wheel and looking for movement when you grab the tire with two hands and shake it back and forth.

 

[fordboi415]

When you jack it up try moving the top of the tire in and out if there is a lot of movement then you need new joints but there's no way in hell just by looking at the truck not even the joints that a mechanic can tell if you need new joints lmao what a dumbass, I actually had a mechanic tell me something similar and I started laughing at him

 

[djo652]

Thanks...I'll try what you guys said. Personally, I thought the mechanic that looked at my truck was a complete tool! And I'm being nice. I didn't think you could tell if something like that was bad by just looking at it but I wasn't sure.

While I was looking up different ball joints, they have two options...They have ones for Dana 28 & Dana 35 axles. I have no clue which one I have. From all that I've been reading, it looks like I may have the Dana 35 but I'm not sure. Is there a way to tell by the year or the VIN or some easy visual without getting under the truck. I have no problem getting under there except for the below 20 degree weather and all the snow on the ground.

 

[F150hybred]

Thanks...I'll try what you guys said. Personally, I thought the mechanic that looked at my truck was a complete tool! And I'm being nice. I didn't think you could tell if something like that was bad by just looking at it but I wasn't sure.

While I agree with you about that mechanic being a tool, I must interject here and say that there are SOME models of ball joints where the area that the grease nipple screws into that also acts as a "supposed" wear indicator and is made that way for a "quick check".
With that being said, they aren't used on the RBV platform suspension joints.
It's looking to me like one of two things is happening with said mechanic... one, he's got some wrong information... or two, he's screwing you over and trying to make a buck.
Also, if you are doing one ball joint on one side, it will only make sense to do both on that side. you gotta take it apart anyway, may as well do both.... and you may as well use good quality parts, Moog comes to mind.

 

[djo652]

Yeah F150! It makes total sense to do both upper & lower at the same time per side. I came across a few on Rockauto.com that seemed like decent ones. They had SPICER/RAYBESTOS brand (Professional Grade) for about $26. They also have the same brand (Red Label-Service Grade) for about $10 (I probably should go with the better ones I'm thiking).

My only dilemma is whether I have a Dana 28, Dana 35, or a Dana 35 look alike that actually uses Dana 28 parts. If it makes a difference, I have a '96, 4.0L V6 - the 4WD engages from inside the truck as opposed to getting out and locking the hubs.

Hope this helps...You guys have been great. Very motivating to get truck on the road again. In the meantime, I'll be borrowing my girlfriends Subaru to get myself around...at least it's a stick...lol.

Thanks again

 

[F150hybred]

Dana 35.

 

[djo652]

Those are the ones I thought I had, and was hoping, but wasn't sure. If you're certain, then I'll order them along with everything else I need. If all goes well, it looks like this'll be a keeper for a long while....Thanks to all!!! I'll post again in a few weeks when the parts come in and I do the job!!!!! Hope there's not too much snow out there to work.

I'll keep my fingers crossed..........Dave

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

The d28 ended in 1990, and the d28/35 hybrid will still use the d35 balljoint.

Your truck has a 4.0L in it so it will definitely have a d35 in it.