Ball Joint Brands?

[bkantor]

So, I need to replace my ball joints and everything I read says get Moog... so, are they really that much better?

I would prefer to buy locally and the moog are the most expensive. I can get
1) McQuary (Autozone duralast), cheapest
2) MRC (Napa, appear to be TRW by model # 104222 IIRC. Guy at store says they're moog), next cheapest
3) McQuary (Checker)
4) Napa House Brand (Dana according to guy at store). A little pricier than moog at rockauto.
5) Moog at Carquest, pricey but local. They also sell a cheaper bargain moog part.

I've got 100k on my explorer and am looking to get greasable ones. It appears they all are except for maybe the MRC's (couldn't verify)... I couldn't find much on the MRC's or Dana. I'm leaning toward the Napa branded units.

So, back to the question... are the moog really better? or is this just a follow the leader lemming type thing?

Thanks.
Brad

 

[ExplorerDMB]

I would go with Moog. Reason being is that NAPAs "boots" aren't completely sealed. They just slip over top of the shaft/thread piece. Mine don't even seal and so when the suspension moves most of my grease comes squirting out. The MOOGs I have ready to go in (lower balljoints) are completely sealed and won't allow grease to escape. I would go with MOOG - I've learned my lesson once (oh, and I work for a NAPA Auto Car Center).

-Drew

 

[bkantor]

Drew -

Thanks. I talked the guy at carquest into coming down quite a bit so I grabbed the Moog's. I just couldn't convince myself to buy any of the others, especially after reading what you had to say about the Napa's.

One quick question... it appears the balls came pregreased. I was surprised by this. Is there any reason to add any more or are they good to go?

Brad