Okay, as the title states, what is the typical (I know it varies) life expectancy for lower ball joints on an 04-08 F150? I have a stock 2006 F150 Screw 5.4L 4x4 with just over 46K miles on the clock. I've babied this truck and have put every mile on it (purchased new) except maybe 500 miles (max) by the wife. Basically just asking as I was informed by my dealer today that the lower ball joints need service at the tune of $600 Anyways, I've searched here and found people seem to recommend Moog replacements. And of course I have a local shop that will do the service for much less, especially if I provide the parts. Any way to check myself to see if they need service or if my dealer is simply blowing smoke?
my 04's LBJ's went out about 70k miles. the easy way to check is to jack the truck up and grab the tire at 12 and 6 and shake and check for movement. And of course tire wear is another way to check for worn out balljoints, measure the inside and outside tread
Got ya captain! Will check this weekend. If tire wear is an indicator, or at least one potential sign, the tires aren't being impacted at least with the naked eye. I may have to get in for closer inspection, but they appear to be wearing straight. I'm picky with my tires, so typically notice abnormal wear if/when it occurs. Anyways, thanks for the quick reply. Will report back with results when I get the truck in the air and check the tire wear a little closer.
yeah take it in to a tire shop and have them check your tires out. i know when my balljoints were going out it put my alignment out of wack and my front tires were worn more on one side of the tire. I'm sure they could check the balljoints as well and hell if you know how save you a couple hundred and do them yourself!
Don't go to the stealership. Get a set of moogs from rockauto, take em down to your local Goodyear and they'll press em both w/ an alignment for around 200... So w/ parts you're out $250. Expectancy- 50-75k. Mine went out once in my 145k run. And good luck doin the lowers by yourself. A press is almost surely needed to remove from lower control arm. GoodYear=good job done. Multiple ways to check tire wear: 1. Cupping - this is where the tread is higher in the front of each lug and lower in the back, wearing uneven from front to back. This is normally caused by the upper/lowers going out. Alignment is normally not effected w/ worn bj's unless driven hard offroading. 2. Bald edge - this is obvious. The inner or outer half of the tire will be more worn than the opposite side of the tire. This is normally caused by worn tie rod ends resulting in driving under a misalignment.
I think mine were worn down around 60k....can't remember for sure though. Installing a levelling kit makes them wear out faster though, just fyi.
They do but dont wear out at 60k my last truck got 145k on them before needing to be replaced sent from area 51
