I threw new brake pads on this week and got my inspection done this morning. Truck passed but I was alerted that my Driver's side upper ball joint was on its way out.

I was sort of expecting them to say as much, since every once in a while, when I back my truck out, my truck has this sensation that the front tires are frozen to the road, and I am breaking the tires free of the ice when going in reverse... Thats the best way I can describe how the bad ball joint feels lol. Of course, the roads are dry when this happens.

Long story short I ordered a pair of Mevotech uppers, came to $133 for the pair shipped. I am pretty sure they are the lifers...and I would have prefered greasable ones, like the Moogs.

The Mevo's cost $64.79 each, and the MOOGS were double that, so I just couldn't justify splurging. It takes me 5+ years to drive 50,000 miles since my commute is rather short anyway.

Replacing the upper arms is a rather simple and painless job.

Figured I would just let the community know, I got about 55,000 miles out of my uppers. Only the driver's side was reported bad, but I am replacing the set...it just wouldn't make sense to replace one and then play back and forth with them.

 

post some how to pics of the replacement!

 

Thanks for the tip, Monkey!

 

Ill be swapping mine with Moogs this summer. My drivers side is making a slight squeeking noise when I bounce the truck, and the lowers were already replaced. I figured its only 3 bolts, so Ill just do it on a summer day.

Im debating on whether or not to try and replace the tie rod ends myself.

 

Tie-rod ends aren't bad to do... if you know how to do it lol..

 

Yeah, they are only $35 each for the tie rod ends. I figured I could rent a puller, get an 18 pack and a friend, and have some fun ..... and take it for an alignment after. The shop would probably want $200+ to replace them.

 

See, you got it figured out Bobby! Really, it's not that bad. If you have any questions, shoot me a PM and I will give you my number to call me or even get a hold of me on facebook

 

Thanks nick. I'm going to wait till I come back from vacation and then ill start asking a few buddies to see if anyone has done it before. I'm sure I can figure it out, but it would be nice to have someone there for when stuff hits the fan.

 

Help me out here....tie rod ends: arnt those on the ends of the tie rods? All you would need is a fork to pop them off then unscrew from the tie rod?

 

Yup, pretty much. Make sure you turn the lock-nut so you can unscrew it out of the sleeve.