new ball joints

[rathrbcruisin]

My Explorer has a creaking drivers side upper ball joint, so i was looking into this and I figure after replacing the upper drivers control arm you should get an alignment. So i thought the passenger one wouldnt be too far behind and then i'd need another alignment. So i might as well do both upper control arms. and while i'm in there, after looking at the lower ball joints with torn boots, I might as well do both lowers too. and then why not do the outer tie rod ends as well. Replace the whole thing and only have 1 alignment to do. So i can get all of that, 2 uppers, 2 lower ball joints, and 2 tie rod ends on RockAuto for 147 with shipping. Advance Auto was 252 even with the 50.00 off coupon code. I'm using Moog lower ball joints and tie rod ends, but i'm looking at using Mevotech upper control arms. they have the same part# and are the supreme line of this brand.

Anyone use MEVOTECH? I've used dorman and unless i have to, I wont use their balljoints or control arms again. I usually use moog, but these mevotech look good.

 

[Mike65]

When I replaced the upper control arms & lower ball joints on my 00 Ranger I used all Moog parts & would recommend using them, because if you are planning on keeping the Explorer for a while & the upper ball joints go bad you can replace just the ball joint, & not have to replace the whole arm assembly. Also replace the upper control arm bolts with adjustable caster/camber kits.
https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=504145&cc=1304413&jnid=511&jpid=8

 

[swshawaii]

Mevotech UCA ball joints are also replaceable (MK80012). IMO, most name brand brand premium lines are comparable.
https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1283099&cc=1304435

Failed boots seem to be more of an issue. Moog completely redesigned their failure prone K8695T lower ball joint boots.
https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=203594&cc=1304435

 

[rathrbcruisin]

OK thanks! another question now is, would there be a benefit to replace the 2 piece passenger side with the one piece? If the bushings are fine I was just going to replace with the same 2 piece design.

 

[swshawaii]

Lot's of good info in the link below, see post #8 . Many more threads regarding this, search one piece vs. two piece.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=422216

 

[1Aauto]

We carry control arm and ball joints for your Explorer. Here's a link to them on our website. We also offer free shipping on all orders in the lower 48 states.
Explorer Ball Joints and Control Arms

Tony