LCA and Lower Ball Joint Replacement

[Roman217]

My lower ball joints are starting to loosen up and I would like to replace them sooner rather than later.

I can get the full OEM LCAs for 600 ish, but I'd rather not do the LCAs if I don't have to. I still need to check how the bushings are doing, if the bushings are bad, I'll probably the full LCAs. FCA also does not sell the lower ball joints separately so the only option is full LCAs if I went the OEM route.

Having said that, does any one have any recommendations for lower ball joints or full LCAs? All the ones I have looked up seem to have their own issues of not lasting very long to being over-sized, etc. I want to get a quality item that I won't have to touch again for a long time.

As a note, I have a 2015 Laramie 5.7 4x4 with 97k miles and I am on stock suspension (spring) with stock ride height.

With that, I am thinking I might as well do the upper control arms, tie rods, and sway bar links while I am in there. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

 

[RedSRT4Me]

My lower ball joints are starting to loosen up and I would like to replace them sooner rather than later.

I can get the full OEM LCAs for 600 ish, but I'd rather not do the LCAs if I don't have to. I still need to check how the bushings are doing, if the bushings are bad, I'll probably the full LCAs. FCA also does not sell the lower ball joints separately so the only option is full LCAs if I went the OEM route.

Having said that, does any one have any recommendations for lower ball joints or full LCAs? All the ones I have looked up seem to have their own issues of not lasting very long to being over-sized, etc. I want to get a quality item that I won't have to touch again for a long time.

As a note, I have a 2015 Laramie 5.7 4x4 with 97k miles and I am on stock suspension (spring) with stock ride height.

With that, I am thinking I might as well do the upper control arms, tie rods, and sway bar links while I am in there. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

I think based on your needs/wants full control arm replacement would be the route for you.

 

[Roman217]

I think based on your needs/wants full control arm replacement would be the route for you.

Think the best option is to suck it up and buy the OEM LCAs?

 

[R.L.K.]

I'd just repair / replace what's required with quality aftermarket parts or just install a quality 4" lift kit leveled ...like a BDS Lift .
If your set on OEM parts then for not much of a price difference have your local dealer install a Mopar 4" lift kit .
Mopar lift kit is a rebranded Skyjacker kit
( i think thats the one ?)
Anyway if your dealer installs the Mopar kit then its covered with a warranty through your dealer [emoji106]

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[RedSRT4Me]

Think the best option is to suck it up and buy the OEM LCAs?

I used MOOG problem solvers for my LCA ball joint replacement.

For some reason MOOG lists them as Air ride only but they work in my lifted application. With that said folks will debate over the internet whether it was the right part to use.

Reading your post sounds more like you want a set it and forget it with warranty type of scenario?

 

[Roman217]

Less of a warranty issue but if I am pulling a significant portion of the suspension apart in my garage, I'd rather not have to do it again in 20-30k miles.

 

[RedSRT4Me]

Less of a warranty issue but if I am pulling a significant portion of the suspension apart in my garage, I'd rather not have to do it again in 20-30k miles.

Right, that's why I'd say buy the replacement arms and be done with it.

 

[Sandy Vincze]

question for Redsrt4me, just wondering how the moog problem solvers worked for you? Apparently some ball joints are replaceable while others aren't. I'm assuming that mine aren't as there's no circlip but instead mine has 3 pean marks to hold it in. I can still get that ball joint out but I was wondering if replacement one will fit? Did u get the Moog K500286? FYI 2014 bighorn 4wheel drive.

 

[novelmike]

Think the best option is to suck it up and buy the OEM LCAs?

Have you looked on RockAuto.com?
If it was me I’d probably go with the Mevotech Terrain Tough line. and just replace everything. Upper and lower control arms.
The top of the line Mevotech still costs less than the OEM, they have grease able ball joints unlike OEM.

You could get upper and lower control arms for almost $200 less than just the lower OEM stuff. It’s a no brained to me!

Of course I have no proof of this claim, but I’d bet a $1 that the Mevotech Terrain Tough is a better product than the OEM.

 

[John Jensen]

I did the Sway Bar links with MaxxLink Front Sway Bar End Links - #SMX1300L. High reviews and very happy with them.

My LCAs and UCAs are in great shape but I'm changing the UCA with Moogs because I'm leveled and heard too many stories of the OEM ball joints popping out. I chose Moogs over the Mevetachs because reports os Mevetechs failing like the OEMs. Plus reports of them rusting unless you paint them.

 

[Dangulo]

Wrong post

 

[RedSRT4Me]

question for Redsrt4me, just wondering how the moog problem solvers worked for you? Apparently some ball joints are replaceable while others aren't. I'm assuming that mine aren't as there's no circlip but instead mine has 3 pean marks to hold it in. I can still get that ball joint out but I was wondering if replacement one will fit? Did u get the Moog K500286? FYI 2014 bighorn 4wheel drive.

So far so good. Have almost 10k miles on them and zero issues having the truck aligned