Balljoints

[96ExplorerXLT]

My balljoints are bad, they have been gone for a couple months, and the squeaking is increasing. I was wondering if there is any decent aftermarket upgrades for them. Thanks. I have a 96 Explorer with the 4.0

 

[Adam Berger]

Everyone on this site seems to recommend Moog balljoints because they are greasable. The OEM balljoints don't have grease nipples and tend to wear out because you can't re-grease them during services.

 

[jasonb]

i'll second the MOOGs. so far i have been pleased with them.

 

[96ExplorerXLT]

Alright, thank you, I also have another concern. I was reading another post about balljoints and someone said that they will break and cause loss of steering, is this true?

 

[jasonb]

if they completely fail, then yes you could loose steering or your wheel could come off. if they are in bad shape it is definitely something that needs to be fixed.

 

[etc]

The balljoints are the only thing connecting your spindle to your truck. If they fail, and you're driving at high speeds.... . I saw one guy in a car whose spindle seperated from it's lower control arm, the wheel was resting at about 45 degrees to the ground. That would not be good at high speeds.

 

[96ExplorerXLT]

Alright, thanks, i got the new aftermarket MOOGs in. Now I have a squeak in the upper passenger side...when will it ever end....

Anyway, thanks for everyone who responded!

 

[jasonb]

you did grease them right?

maybe a sway bar bushing is bad too.. or could have been the problem the whole time.

do you notice a difference in the new balljoints?

 

[96ExplorerXLT]

yea, i had Firestone do it, they said that the upper pass. balljoint squeaks but "is perfectly fine" i dont see how its working fine when it squeaks...but yea, thats my next fix im guessing.

Yea i did acually, i dont know if its just because i havent had good balljoints for a while but i think it helped my ride alot...ive only spent about 20 min total behind the wheel of it since i got it done, but im taking a road trip to lincoln (about 50 mi away) today so we will see.

 

[explorer4x493]

What did you pay for install and everything? I have a local firestone here that i trust, and i suppose they would charge the same...

 

[Toy_to_Force]

The squeak is more likely to be coming from the anti-sway bar bushings. They get dry and harden. I recommend Daystar poly replacement bushings. If you don't think you can do it yourself, buy the parts and have your trusted mechanic put them on. You should notice a big difference in body roll and steering response.

 

[EBInterceptor]

My balljoint is getting worse. Hopefully I can still find a set of Moog lowers. Are they back to producing yet after the fire? I don't always feel safe driving over really bad roads because of the bad bounce I get off the passenger front tire, but total failure sounds like I really need to get my act together and get **** done!!! So.....how much was the total cost?

Edit: Explorer Express has swaybar bushing kits you can buy for a reasonable amount of money. Check out them for sure.

 

[96ExplorerXLT]

What did you pay for install and everything? I have a local firestone here that i trust, and i suppose they would charge the same...

i got it redone for about 398 something, as of right now im happy with the job

 

[410Fortune]

If you cant find the Moog joints dont sweat it, Spicer is good, Napa fleet grade is a VERY good choice as well......

 

[EBInterceptor]

I was able to get some Moogs from carquest rather easily. $398 for a balljoint job? That's not near the price that I would consider paying. I don't have that kind of money. Myfriend and I may be doing the job ourselves then.

 

[n3m3s1s]

how much are the moogs compared to the oem replacements?

what is the easiest way to be able to tell if a joint needs to be replaced?

i am looking to save as much $$ as possible on this one.