Front Upper Ball Joint - replace arm or joint?

[dleeallen]

My 05 V8 has a loose left front upper ball joint. Debating which way to go replacing it - the full OEM arm or aftermarket ball joint. Any good reasons to go either way?

I'm going to have a shop do it since I don't have a good place to deal with it in the winter. The labor is more for the balljoint but the arm costs significantly more. I think the arm will still end up more money.

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[T101]

I've never swapped just the ball joint but can tell you that swapping in a new upper arm is relatively easy with basic hand tools. Taking your time it shouldn't take more than a couple hours.

 

[dkyleb]

Pulling the balljoint on the stock arms is somewhat risky, as the stock arms are pretty thin. Not saying it cannot be done, it's just most places recommend replacing the whole arm.

Are you running any lift?

 

[Cisco Kid]

Replacing the whole arm should only take 30 to 45 minutes. The ball joint can be replaced as well and doesnt take much more time. I replaced the joints in my OEM arms before buying a set of Camburgs.

 

[dleeallen]

No lift. Just a rusty stock truck. Lol. Probably an arm makes sense. I should start soaking everything with pb blaster now.

 

[Morphyne]

Why would you replace the arm for $300? Check you tube. Upper ball joints are jot that bad and your out like $20.

 

[dleeallen]

That's the question. Seems very mixed opinions. If stock truck just go moog joint?

 

[Morphyne]

Absolutely. Rock auto has them for cheap. YouTube chrisfix and balljoint. He makes it look extremely easy.