Upper Ball Joints

[Mano1124]

So i'm close to replace all four ball joints. The upper ball joints come with two sets of grease. One coming in a blue bag and other in a clear bag. Which one goes where? I lost the paper that gives instructions. Any idea?

 

[BrianSD_42]

Do you need to do the uppers?

I have heard that they are a major PIA and unnecessary to swap out. I am at 200,000 on my original uppers. I replaced the LBJs 3 years ago.


:shrug:

 

[Mano1124]

I think i have to replace the upper BJ. They have stains of grease. i would feel better if they were replaced. How's your rig now that it has hit 200k?

 

[Edubsam]

I would think the manufacturer of your UBJs has instillation instructions on their website. Have you looked there?

 

[BrianSD_42]

How's your rig now that it has hit 200k?

Going strong. Read more in my build thread or drop me a line

 

[Pikeman]

clear sign that ball joints need to be replaced. Stained, cracked, torn boots. Whoever told you that upper ball joints are uneccesary to replace was sadly mistaken. The lower ball joints see more abuse and damage then the uppers so the uppers still need to be looked at and replaced when needed.

Yes they are a pain because you have to remove the Upper control arm and then press them out, press the new ones in.

 

[Mano1124]

alright guys! So i started working on my truck in the morning. I replaced both lower ball joints. The passenger Outer tie rod failed on me. I couldn't screw back the nut. The bolt kept on turning while i was screwing on the nut. So i bought a outer tie rod from oreillys for the mean time. I had so much trouble with the upper ball joints. I bought a press adapter and when i installed the driver side upper ball joint the center on the bottom dented in. The ball joint hardened on turn. Should i worry about it? i installed it liked that. I began the passenger upper ball joint and it too dented in from the bottom. I couldn't press it in so i gave up after 9 hours of work. LOL! I will try in the morning. Would i have to replace the upper ball joints since the bottom dented in a struggles to wiggle?

 

[Mano1124]

No more worries. A friend of mine helped me with the rest. Next on my list, shocks. I'm leaning towards Bilstein HD but was wondering if it would be a bit stiff. I'm mostly on pavement except when i hit South Padre Island.