Solid Axle Ball Joint Tolerances

[amurp15]

I was doing a checkup on my truck this past weekend ('16 2500 PW), and noticed the front wheels had some up & down play in them. It looked like ball joint play to me. So I go looking for ball joints online and I see options for telescoping ball joints, something I've never come across before. In doing some more research, I come across this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFLt8emzbWQ&ab_channel=MOOGParts

I'm asking around to find a dial gauge to do the inspection in the video. Does this mean that there is an allowable amount of up and down wheel movement on most/all solid axle rams? Or do I have to replace my ball joints/wheel bearings like most other cars that have this issue?

 

[2003F350]

How many miles are on them, have they ever been done before, and by 'some' up and down play, are we talking enough to be visible, or a LOT of movement? Generally speaking you shouldn't be able to see much if any movement (by this I mean you may even question yourself if you actually saw it move). If you are definitely seeing movement then yes, replace them - better to do it now than to have it fail on the road.

I would stick with something that is OEM or OEM replacement, I've never heard of a 'telescoping' ball joint but I don't think I'd be inclined to use one.

 

[crazy jerry]

with wheels off the ground yes there is a small amount of allowable up down play in the joint. cant recall how much and i dont have my service manual in front of me. ram joints are a different design than most other trucks