upon removal of my front tires...

[swynx]

The passenger side is all screwed up. Ball joints have lots of play. Once I got the tire off I noticed there was play in the shaft. I believe its not supposed to do this? Like alot of play. Enough I can see it move down at the jjoint near the center of the truck. Found that the goofy looking nut was loose to. Is this just a sign of bad wheel bearings. Cuz that's shot too. Had them for like 2 months now. Just haven't done it since I only drive it for work and work is 2 miles away.

Also my drivers side is in far better condition. It also needs new wheel bearings. But the ball joints are in far better condition. Does one side wear out faster? I seem to remember something about 1ttb side being longer than tthe other. Would this cause faster wear?

 

[cvar]

Play in the shaft is caused by a worn spindle bearing. It's right behind the spindle. I can show you video of how much play I got, before & after replacing the spindle bearing, if you like.

Some photos are (not video) here: http://imgur.com/a/d8skq

I think length of each axle shaft should not influence its (rotational) wear. I think wear comes more from excess play & more from grinding in dirt.

 

[swynx]

Well that's good to know thank you. And that page was awesome. Very very detailed. So since I basically have to tear apart my entire front end. Any one know if they sell a kit?. I was gonna order my parts from rock auto. I mean if I have 80% of the front end aapart might as well replace all of it. Since ill be running 35s soon

 

[swynx]

Not sure what all a kit would have but I already planned on 4 wheel bearings 4 ball joints u joints (how ever many there are) Set of performance brake pads. My rotors are new. And now spindle bearings. Idk jack squat about tie rods or if I need them. In January I'm buying a new lift with extended radius arms. So I'm leaving that stuff till I do that.

 

[cvar]

I just bought the $17 spindle bearing kit from Autozone, and the part # was listed in the description: Timken #SBK4 Spindle Bearing and Seal Kit

Similarly, I listed the wheel bearings (Timken #SET37), and WB seals (Timken #4250). Same for U-joints, etc.

I dunno if your part #s may differ?

 

[adsm08]

The right hand ball joints and shock usually wear out faster, and your department of transportation is to blame.

Next time you are out driving pay attention to the condition of the road. Go run back to the farming areas if you have to (I know, the roads aren't as bad everywhere else as they are in PA), and pay attention to the condition of the road surface. The closer you get to the edge of the road the worse it is. More pot holes at the edges than in the middle, more cracks, and drops off the edge of the road. Those are the things that tear up ball joints and shocks.

 

[LearjetMinako]

You're not the only one in the same boat, thou mine is 2wd. I've been having this squeak issue for a while. Sears said I will need new ball joints after they did a tire rotation. Today I installed new brakes pads and checked the ball joints. The passenger side is solid, but the driver side lower ball joint has some play. Guess its time to cough up $175 to replace them all.

 

[adsm08]

. The passenger side is solid, but the driver side lower ball joint has some play. Guess its time to cough up $175 to replace them all.

Why? Why do more than just the one that you need.

If the others squeak take a 1/4" drill bit, punch a small hole in the top, put some grease in with a needle, and goop some RTV over the hole to keep water out.

 

[Andy D]

Heh heh , I thought I was the only guy who did this. This is especially effective if the truck sat a while.

 

[swynx]

Some of the things guys do to truck amaze me. Seems like it shouldnt be done bbut its super effective

 

[LearjetMinako]

Why? Why do more than just the one that you need.

If the others squeak take a 1/4" drill bit, punch a small hole in the top, put some grease in with a needle, and goop some RTV over the hole to keep water out.

Its just me, I like to do jobs symmetrically. If one side is going, the other side isn't too far behind. Plus, Oklahoma roads tear up suspension parts.

 

[adsm08]

Its just me, I like to do jobs symmetrically. If one side is going, the other side isn't too far behind. Plus, Oklahoma roads tear up suspension parts.

Eh, it's your money.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Eh, it's your money.

Yes, yes it is. Better spent on keeping the Ranger in tip top condition than wasting it on a girlfriend.

If I was in a pinch and it was in a condition that had to be replaced ASAP, then I would do just the one.