Lower ball joints

Hey guys need some help . My lower ball joints have leaked out some of the grease . Not sure how much but enough. It's been leaking for a while. Truck has 58000 miles and is a 2nd gen . I checked the joints and they seem to be fine . No play what so ever . My question is should I have them replaced ? It is my daily driver and doesn't see any off roading . I do have a 2 3/4in. lift.

 

If the boots torn you’ll want to replace. Otherwise replace the lost grease with a needle fitting for the grease gun.

 

I will take a closer look at the boots . Thanks for the reply much appreciated!!

 

Ok so I had a shop check my lower ball joints and other then some of the grease came out they said that they are nice and tight and in good shape he told me to just keep an eye on him that they were fine for now. He also told me that when they do need to be replaced he recommended that because I had a lift not to go aftermarket ball joints He recommended changing out the whole lower control arm with OEM. I found that kinda odd . What are you guys's thoughts on that? Have any of you guys changed out lower ball joints on the OEM lower control arms and if so what brand of aftermarket ball joints did you go with and how long have they lasted for you ?
Sorry in advance for the long post !

 

The oem lower control arms come with BJ’s installed, and bushings also. Oem BJs are good on 2nd gen, lift or no lift. Mevotech and Proforge have come recommended here on TW. I installed Dorman LCA’s as a temp measure to avoid downtime while I refurbished my oem LCA’s. Four years later, I still running with the Dormans. The BJ’s on them went bad with 1500 miles. I replaced with Premium XL’s and they have held up. Again, it was a temp measure. Now the bushings are going bad so I’ll be moving quicker to return the oem LCA’s to service. I got Mevotech BJ’s on them.

 

Sounds good ! How many miles before I have to do bushings?
Thank you for your reply !!

 

Mileage varies. Bushings deteriorate due to heat, age, exposure, and the stress of movement. Symptoms of worn bushings include uneven tire wear, noises, vibrations, and steering wandering.

 

OOOH ok . That is good to know . I am wondering if I should just purchase new OEM arms already with new bushings and ball joints ? That way they are all ready to install ?

 

This is the best way. Should get you through another 10 years. Less labor involved as well.

 

Yeah that's exactly what I was thinking.

 

Yes to post #8 if you can afford it and/or can’t afford vehicle downtime. Others may not have the tools or space to do the work. Some of us enjoy the challenge and/or satisfaction of doing the work ourselves.

 

Thanks guys for all the replays and in put !! I appreciate everyone's help !!