New to the boards... bearings question

[jason2413]

I have a 4" superlift on my 96 explorer and am getting uneven tire wear. I just bought 4 new tires and don't want the same thing to happen. I was told that I need new lower and upper bearings. Has anyone replaced theirs or know what kind of endeavor I'm about to start up on? A good place to get parts? Thanks in advance.

 

[boominXplorer]

Its probibly upper and lower ball joints. The upper is a full replacement control arm and the lower is a press in unit. Moog brand of parts are going to be the best choice. Check out www.rockauto.com for the best prices.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Always get a second opinion from another reputable shop before having anything replaced.

What place did you take your X to that told you that you needed new upper & lower ball joints?

Most commercial tire shops that do alignments and front end work will tell people that they need parts that don't need because the shops make quick easy money on un-suspecting customers.

Not only do they make money on the labor they will make a huge profit on the parts as well.

 

[kelly2]

if you replace them, i highly recommend rockauto.com. i replaced both upper and lowers in the front on my X and the alignment bolts with parts from rockauto.
for reference:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147936&highlight=replacing+bushing

 

[jason2413]

Thanks all for the replies. I took it to 4 wheel parts out here in San Jose. They did my lift but I've had mixed feeling about them. It it's not too difficult, it's something I actually want to try on my own. I had to go back there anyways and another tech told me that the other guy was probably talking about the upper and lower ball joints. Is there a way to determine how bad they actually are?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

How long ago did they install the lift?

If it was fairly recent they should have known then they were bad.
I would take it to a reputable shop and have some one look at it since you doubt 4 Wheel Parts words.

On the upper ball joint you replace the whole A-arm as it is one complete unit.

The bottom joint is pressed in and has a snap ring on top to help keep the ball joint from coming out.

You can buy or rent a press that will allow you to get the bottom ball joint out rather than removing the the bottom a-arm.

 

[jason2413]

I've had the lift for about 3 years now. It sounds like the way to go is with the Moog upper and lowers.
MOOG Part # K80068
Frt Susp; Upper; RH; 4WD; 1 piece design; Incl. bushings {Control Arm w/Ball Joint}
MOOG Part # K8708T
Frt Susp; Upper; LH; 2WD; Enhanced Design; Incl. bushings {Control Arm w/Ball Joint}
MOOG Part # K8695T 2x
Frt Susp; Lower; 4WD; Enhanced Design; 2 Required {Ball Joint}

Has anyone tried this combination with the 4" superlift kit? Think I'll run into any problems?