Upper control arm

[9COOP5]

About to get the passenger side upper control arm and ball joint done this weekend. I had the driver’s side done already.

The truck has not been washed but I took some pics to try and see a difference between the two. Hopefully it is noticeable with the dirty truck:

The first pic is the one that needs replaced.

 

[XLTyler83]

About to get the passenger side upper control arm and ball joint done this weekend. I had the driver’s side done already.

The truck has not been washed but I took some pics to try and see a difference between the two. Hopefully it is noticeable with the dirty truck:

The first pic is the one that needs replaced.

View attachment 154332

View attachment 154333

Very nice always good to do some service yourself if you can and save a buck, how much has it costed you to do this with both UCA's?

 

[Drewmcg]

I recently opted to just replace upper ball joints (boots on old ones are all torn up). Truck handles fine, so I'm waiting for warm weather. Found two closeout Mavotech Supremes ball joints on ebay good price. I think the lower ball joints are higher weight/stress parts, do feel okay with Chinese stuff for top.

 

[9COOP5]

Very nice always good to do some service yourself if you can and save a buck, how much has it costed you to do this with both UCA's?

I paid $189 per side.

 

[XploX]

I recently opted to just replace upper ball joints (boots on old ones are all torn up). Truck handles fine, so I'm eating for warm weather. Found two closeout Mavotech Supremes ball joints on ebay good price. I think the lower ball joints are higher weight/stress parts, do feel okay with Chinese stuff for top.

Mevotech is Canadian. They make heavy duty parts as well and I have both upper and lower on mine. They are great and will last longer than the truck. The boots are very thick and pliable. They shouldn't ever crack.

 

[Drewmcg]

Company might be Canadian but their box says made in China. Same old drill, but we all know some Chinese products (e.g., iPhones) are higher quality than others. Good to know your experience is positive. I also totally understand those who opt for OEM or other top-drawer parts. I've seen those photos of broken ball joints....

Rockauto has some Proforged lower ball joints that look excellent, and I've read good things about Moog problem solver line. I suppose it partly depends on how rich I'm feeling when I need new ones...

 

[Drewmcg]

Question: RockAuto has the Moog "problem solver" (higher quality) front lower ball joint for my 2002 XLS, MOOG K8695T , but they also sell what appears to be a special tool to remove it (for $93, plus shipping): MOOG T40003 (under "ball joint service kit").

Anyone know if a special tool is really required to remove the Mood K8695T problem solver? Of course, that would only matter if the replacement fails, which seems very unlikely. Still....

 

[swshawaii]

Moog "special" tool not needed to install lower ball joints. In fact, I've never seen anyone on EF use it. Most opt to borrow a ball joint press kit available from most larger AP stores with a fully refundable deposit. Call around. Kit includes various cups and adapters to complete the job. Great tip is to put the ball joints in the freezer overnight, and take them out when you're ready to press them. Helps them go in much easier.

 

[Drewmcg]

Moog "special" tool not needed to install lower ball joints. In fact, I've never seen anyone on EF use it. Most opt to borrow a ball joint press kit available from most larger AP stores with a fully refundable deposit. Call around. Kit includes various cups and adapters to complete the job. Great tip is to put the ball joints in the freezer overnight, and take them out when you're ready to press them. Helps them go in much easier.

Great tips, thanks.