Get yer Moog ball joints!

[RangerX]

I don't know how true this is, but there's a thread on the Pirate board about a warehouse fire at the Moog plant possibly causing Moog ball joints to be harder to get for a while.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=241276&highlight=moog
I went ahead and bought a full set of the greasable ones today since my wife's Sport needs them. I paid $24 each at Carquest.

 

[EBInterceptor]

Dammit, now I've got to go and buy mine now, I wasn't prepared to get them yet

 

[etc]

Seems to be true.
From rockauto.com(newsletter):

Moog Production Facility Fire

One of Moog's production facilities in Tennessee recently suffered from a catastrophic fire. Fortunately no one was injured. But unfortunately because of this incident, production and distribution has been slowed. This especially affects the owners of certain Dodge vehicles who are looking to replace the stock ball joints.

In our catalog we now list "Moog or Dana/Spicer" because if the Moog part you are ordering is not available, we will substitute it with Dana/Spicer part of the same quality. Once Moog production is back up to normal, our catalog will show just "Moog".

 

[EBInterceptor]

Quick question while I'm in a panic....for the uppers, I have to get the whole control arm since I have not had mine replaced before? '98 Sport by the way

Edit: Screw it. I'm not interested in doing my ball joints for a couple months at least when I have more money. I'll just search for the info since I know there are a million threads on Moogs.

 

[etc]

If it's the first time yes, unless you feel like getting a mcguver and drilling out rivets and replacing them.

 

[EBInterceptor]

If it's the first time yes, unless you feel like getting a mcguver and drilling out rivets and replacing them.

Well it's definately on my list to do. I think I'll wait a little bit and hope I can still get them while there is stock left. Otherwise the McGuyver does sound interesting to me. I'll go in with a couple paper clips, a D battery, a speaker and somehow get those rivets out.

Edit: Wait, a McGuver? Like an actual tool?

 

[410Fortune]

psssssssssssssssst:

Napa fleet grade are just as good as the Moog's

Also I have hed good luck with the Spicer ones found at Autozone....
both good alternates to the MOOG.

 

[EBInterceptor]

What about price comparison?

 

[410Fortune]

they are all cheaper, slightly
but you have to call your local stores to comapre because they vary.
I have found 4x4 parts are generally more expensive here in CA then they were in CO, surprise surprise.

 

[etc]

Edit: Wait, a McGuver? Like an actual tool?

Haha, no it was a typo, supposed to be "....unless you feel like getting all mcguver and drilling......."

Although, that would be an awesome name for a tool.

Prices I found:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89567&highlight=ball+joint

Miami FL, and the carquest was in....central florida I believe. That's where I ordered since that's the only place I found moogs.

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

24 dollars each!!!!!

do you know somebody who works there or what!

i got mine for about 40 bucks a piece from carquest

 

[OneShotBandit]

First time replacement?

ETC., Are you saying that I need to replace the control arm also? I have a '98
XLT w/69,000 miles. The Firestone dealer said that the lower ball joints needed replaced. They wanted $535.00 incl's alginment, but have found a repair shop w/a great reputation that will do it for $400 including alginment.
WTF?

Virgil

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

I have never replaced anything also under my truck. Since I am replacing the bushings and shocks, I may consider replacing other things neccessary while I am there. But I have lived 49 years without the rush of Moog so I guess I can make it another 49, God willing, without them, never heard of them until now.
I bought the EE lowering kit and it has those new bushings in it I believe.

 

[etc]

First time around for upper's you need the to replace the whole arm(driver side one piece, passenger side just the piece with the balljoint). Lowers can be pressed out(just the balljoint) easy on 2wd and a little more trouble/work on 4wd/awd.

 

[OneShotBandit]

Thanks, ETC. That's exactly what the mechanic told me today. He didn't think I will need uppers, but...........

Virg :smoke: