Leaking Upper Ball Joint - Replace UCA's or Just the Ball Joint

[tannerk15]

About 2 months ago, I replaced the stock coils up front with OME 886's in preparation for the weight from a steel bumper. Before then I was running 5100's set at 2.5" with the stock coils, now the Bilsteins are set at 0 with the 886's. A little while after installing the coils I started noticing a knocking noise when I had my steering wheel turned all the way to the left or right and was moving. And after installing the bumper this weekend I started checking out my suspension to make sure everything was good, and noticed the upper ball joint was leaking on both sides. I have attached pictures of them.

So now I am faced with the decision of biting the bullet and replacing the UCA's completely or just replacing the ball joint and hoping for the best. I'm wondering if the 886's are too much lift for the stock UCA's to handle and fixing the ball joint will only result in it breaking again. How much would it cost to replace the ball joints?

I would appreciate any input. I looked around on here to see what people had said and no one really said anything definitive.

 

[bassmacka]

I'm interested to see the responses. I have the exact same noise coming from my front left after I installed the Bilstein 5100. It happens only when moving and turning hard. Best is probably to buy some new aftermarket UCA. I'm a bit intimidated though because of the issues of squeaking and also correcting the alignment . I'm still not 100℅ on all the factors. Total chaos seems to be reputable.

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[4thgenblake]

UCAS that way when you get around to your tires you'll have the extra strength and degrees to adjust for rubbing and alignment issues (suggesting spc ucas) fixing the ball joint requires the same amount of work to change a uca so do it once do it right. Save ya money on balls

 

[theladyviola]

Moog ball joint is about $20. Rent the press kit (pay in full and get a full refund when you return it). That being said, it can be a PITA and after doing joints this week I can't imagine doing it with the UCA still on the truck. I don't know how much lift your OME has or what your future plans are but if you're even thinking lift, off-roading, etc, save for aftermarket UCA's. Live with the knock for a bit. It's not do or die.

And if you can't do the work yourself, check around and take the arm and have the joint pressed because it's loads cheaper. I did my joints but I have a guy at a Carquest that'll press my wheel bearings for $20 a pop.


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[Morphyne]

With an aftermarket bumper, the bilsteins and he ome's there's a reason that ball joint failed. Replacing a stock uca is very easy. The ball joint can be a little on the tough side of you are going to press them out on the truck. I know it's a good bit of money more but I think you will be well served by getting some after market ucas.