how much stress on ball joints

[MillerTimeX17]

I got an alignment and didnt have to get the camber kit and I run 2.25 spacers with 285s. The bolts should slide enough where you wont need the kit.

 

[AKbrener]

BTW, I didn't realize this until today when I went to get an alignment, you will need a camber kit after you get a lift. Our explorer's camber are not adjustable after a certain point, and the lift changes the degree +/- 1.

From what I've found, these kits run around $120 for the from at Autozone/Kragen/Pep Boys.

My camber is off by almost 1.25 degrees, after my toe was adjusted. Before adjustment, right after the lift installation, it was off by almost 2 degrees (which is ALOT).

So, before you decide to get spacers, consider other costs. So far, I've had to, or am forced to spend the following:

Replacement Ball Joints - $105
Alignment - $120
Camber Kit (1.25 +/- kit) - $120
Limit Straps w/o Labor - $50

Can't forget the labor for the ball joints, and the actual time you spend putting in all this stuff...

I don't regret getting the lift, but I wish I knew of all these costs so I could of had the money now. I was forced to get an alignment before installing the ball joints because I have brand new tires, and would rather not have them go to **** so soon (every 10 miles you drive w/o alignment = 100 off the lift of the tire)

Nonetheless, going to BTF's shop this weekend to get everything sorted out. I haven't been offroading in weeks and am having withdrawals lol.

Well, theres the end of my "rant". Just wanted to let you guys know all the info. If you need any help or have questions, shoot me a PM.

So you are like $600 deep into the lift of your truck. I think thats pretty good, most lifts are close to $1,000 for bare bones kits. and you still have to get an alignment after that.

 

[Jager]

I got an alignment and didnt have to get the camber kit and I run 2.25 spacers with 285s. The bolts should slide enough where you wont need the kit.

I may donor myself. My shop says it's not doable and wants $400 for the kit installed. Kind of silly. It's off about 1.24 degrees so any adjustment I make will help.

 

[NHarris]

I have heard from a few people that 1.5"-1.75" is a good compromise between getting measurable lift (should put you at about 2") and minimizing ball joint stress. In fact, I am getting ready to install a set of 1.75 front / 1.5 rear BTF spacers, as well as some new Moog ball joints so I'll let you know how it all turns out.

Sorry if I missed a post (with the answer), but have you installed these yet?
I was thinking about a small lift like this.

 

[Ronin8002]

Sorry if I missed a post (with the answer), but have you installed these yet?
I was thinking about a small lift like this.

Started working on it last night. I am changing out my front upper balljoints for Moogs at the same time. Turns out that is the biggest pain in the a$$ of the whole process....but I'd rather do it now while the suspension is apart than have to do it later.

It is possible to switch out the balljoints with the control arms still attached to the truck, but you don't have a lot of space to work with.

 

[NHarris]

Started working on it last night. I am changing out my front upper balljoints for Moogs at the same time. Turns out that is the biggest pain in the a$$ of the whole process....but I'd rather do it now while the suspension is apart than have to do it later.

Keep us updated. I definately want to know how this goes.

 

[Jager]

Its almost imposible to do it without a ball joint remover, or a press. You can get a ball joint remover from kragen/oreilly, its like $60, and they refund ur money when u return it

 

[Ronin8002]

Yeah I used the press. To get the old one separated from the knuckle I just tapped it from underneath with a hammer and it popped right out. What made it a bit tricky is I got the moogs with the grease fitting and the ridged edges...makes it tougher to press in but I got it eventually. Hardest thing was getting the tool to fit in up under the fenderwell.

Had to button up the truck after I did the balljoints though...gotta be able to drive it over the holidays and I'm busy the rest of the week at work so the lift will have to be done sometime late next week.

 

[macknos94]

That's one good thing about the btf upper arms. When I got it aligned It worked perfect. Also you will have your suspension apart so kill 2 birds with one stone and do your balljoints.