LMHmedchem
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- October 28, 2011
- Messages
- 662
- Reaction score
- 118
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2002 Explorer XLT v8
I have refurbished 2 front steering knuckles for my 2002 XLT 4.6L 4WD and plan to put them on as soon as it's above 20 degrees for an afternoon. I have already loosened the axle nuts and the upper and lower ball joint nuts, so I don't anticipate any issues. I will also replace the CV boots while I have the knuckles off.
I can't tell if I need the lower ball joints or not. They are pretty reasonable, so I may just get them anyway. I can put them on the knuckles before I go outside. That will save my having to get the old ball joints off and transfer them.
There are several options for replacement. I don't generally go for economy parts. These are the options I am looking at,
MEVOTECH Supreme MK8695T ($17)
MOOG K8695T ($23)
ACDELCO Professional 45D2281 ($25)
MEVOTECH Terrain Tough TXK8695T ($26)
MOTORCRAFT OE MCF2233 ($38)
The Mevotech Terrian Tough and the Moog parts are are listed under the "Premium" section, though I don't know if that really means anything.
I am wondering if anyone can share there experience with these parts and brands. As usual, the Motorcraft part is 50% more expensive than the next level, probably for no particular reason. All but the Motorcraft part are greasable. I generally lean toward ACDelco Professional parts. I used ACDelco Pro for the upper control arm and ball joint on one side earlier this year.
I believe that Mevotech parts are made in Canada but there seems to be varying information about this. I believe that it's considered a reasonable, though lower cost, brand. Moog parts are made in a variety of locations, so it depends somewhat if it's Japan or China/Mexico. The Moog part listed above is not the Moog "Problem Solver" line which has a very good reputation.
Is there a good reason to pay more than the $17 for the Mevotech Supreme as far as durability is concerned?
I probably wouldn't pay the extra for the Motorcraft unless there is a consensus that the part is truly worth the extra cost. I would be fine with any of the rest of the parts but I never want to spend more than necessary.
Thanks for the advice,
LMHmedchem
I can't tell if I need the lower ball joints or not. They are pretty reasonable, so I may just get them anyway. I can put them on the knuckles before I go outside. That will save my having to get the old ball joints off and transfer them.
There are several options for replacement. I don't generally go for economy parts. These are the options I am looking at,
MEVOTECH Supreme MK8695T ($17)
MOOG K8695T ($23)
ACDELCO Professional 45D2281 ($25)
MEVOTECH Terrain Tough TXK8695T ($26)
MOTORCRAFT OE MCF2233 ($38)
The Mevotech Terrian Tough and the Moog parts are are listed under the "Premium" section, though I don't know if that really means anything.
I am wondering if anyone can share there experience with these parts and brands. As usual, the Motorcraft part is 50% more expensive than the next level, probably for no particular reason. All but the Motorcraft part are greasable. I generally lean toward ACDelco Professional parts. I used ACDelco Pro for the upper control arm and ball joint on one side earlier this year.
I believe that Mevotech parts are made in Canada but there seems to be varying information about this. I believe that it's considered a reasonable, though lower cost, brand. Moog parts are made in a variety of locations, so it depends somewhat if it's Japan or China/Mexico. The Moog part listed above is not the Moog "Problem Solver" line which has a very good reputation.
Is there a good reason to pay more than the $17 for the Mevotech Supreme as far as durability is concerned?
I probably wouldn't pay the extra for the Motorcraft unless there is a consensus that the part is truly worth the extra cost. I would be fine with any of the rest of the parts but I never want to spend more than necessary.
Thanks for the advice,
LMHmedchem
