This Explorer needs some exploring :(

[ExploderBby]

Okay, So I had notice some popping when i turned my wheel sharply ( backing in and out of like parking spaces) Well i recently got it inspected and the dude informed me he was "passing" it but it needed a lower ball joint. No biggie i went out and bought the part, needless to say i still have replaced it I know I know shame on me. Ive felt a slight vibration when driving, and the whole popping gig is still going on. It sounds like it doesn't want to turn, aghhhh. A few days ago i put 31's on her and it weirdly got better. Also i think it may be an axle ?? Hmmmm please give me some helpful hints. Thanks peopleeeeessss.

 

[ExploderBby]

blahhhh

well thanks for the input. geez, oh so helpful guys But any who i got under there and come to find out one of my sway bar mounts was completely missing && my rear shocks are toasted. So I'll go from there && see what the outcome is.

 

[jremington59]

How's the front driveshaft?

 

[ExploderBby]

Okay, i guess. I did my repairs. granted i still have to do the balljoint but the ride is alot better, im no longer feeling like my truck is going to topple over. But like i said i still have some tinkering to do so ill get back to this post later with my findings.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Since you went to larger tires it changes the angle on the ball joint. If the mechanic said it was basically shot I would not drive on it too long. When they break you dont get any warning. A whole lot of bad stuff and very broken front end is the minimum damage assuming you dont crash. Its not worth risking yourself over a little labor and $15 part.

 

[98 5oh XLT]

If your balljoints need to be done, dont put it off. I had one let go on my 92 Thunderchicken. its not an experence i recomend. I got lucky.

 

[gmanpaint]

Since you went to larger tires it changes the angle on the ball joint.

I don't see how going to a tire little taller would change the angle on the lower ball joint at all. The only way I see the angle changing is from changing the the height on the lower control arms. This is done by turning the Torsion bars.

The castor/camber will change on the upper control arms and will change the angle on the upper ball joints, but not the lower ball joints.

 

[alohamonte]

I recommend Moog or any brand of balljoint that is greaseable. It adds life to them over the sealed type which have a habit of not staying that way for long. When my balljoints started to go I got this rubbing noise over bumps and the alignment started to get worse. Mine never popped which sounds rather severe, could mean there is a lot of binding.

Also, that knocking/popping might be the sway bar hitting something since it's disconnected on one side. that's a cheap and easy fit that requires no special tools. Just some elbow grease.