RonP

Truck has been wandering alot last couple weeks. So today I finally take it in and my tech friend at the dealership tells me all 4 ball joints are gone and pass u-joint. Bummer at 49,000 miles. They are trying to help me out with it but with my luck I will be on my own. trying to get the race car back together and never imagined I would be replacing ball joints already. this truck has never been off a paved road but for a couple times.

I am sure I am going to have to tackle it myself. Any pointers would be appreciated.

thanks

tcr

What were your symptoms?

RonP

Excessive wandering. I used to be able to drive without ever thinking about steering. I also had the pass front tire wearing on the oustide edge(cupping). I changed it with another a month or so ago and that one wore flat again and now the one on there now is starting to cup. Guess maybe that side is worse. A few months ago, I put the 4 new tires on and shortly after that I noticed I was doing alot more steering. Seemed as I was always making slight corrections. I chalked it up to the tires being more aggressive and softer and just went with it. Well, I hear nothing but awesome things about these tires (dueler at revo's) so i decided I would have it looked at. the dealership sponsors my race car and I am good friends with the front end guy and he tells me they are way sloppy. Didn't give a measurement but said they need replaced now. They are going to try and help me out with it and if not, i will do it myself.

djgaston

They are not that hard to replace. You can order the ball joints from Quad4x4.com. I did mine when I was installing the Dynatrac manual hub conversion.
Oh, you can get the new U joint at NAPA. No need to buy from the ***********.

RonP

Thanks. Yeah no parts from you know who. if they don't cover it for me. I will do it myself. I already ordered the new u-joint for the front and the 2 for the rear shaft from rockauto and all 4 shipped were the price of one joint from you know who.

langloisandy

Hi, Exactly what does the Dynatrac manual hub setup do better than stock?

Thanks

Andy

4x4not

It allows you to unlock the hubs, so your axle shafts and front driveshaft aren't turning all the time, even in 2WD. They also provide you with servicable front bearings, instead of the crappy unibearings that cost an arm and a leg.

djgaston

You also get 35 spline outer axle shafts (stronger than stock). With all of those parts not moving when not needed, you have less vibration, the truck drives better and tracks better down the road, plus you look like a pimp when you shine up your chrome Warn locking hubs. *BLING*

036spd

Shouldn't the 70K $100 deductible work?

RonP

u-joint = yes, but like I said. I ordered both front and the 2 rear for a little over a 100 shipped.

ball joints = No

SSminnow

Are you saying the factory warranty does not cover ball joints, but will cover the U Joint?

RonP

yep, the ball joints are under the 3/36 only.

SSminnow

That is

ataboy9026

Read your warranty more careful. Ball joints are part of the front axle assembly witch is covered for 70k. Along with the wheel bearings. I just had mine changed under warranty with 68k on it.

RonP

well, you must have gotten a dealer that reads a little different. Mine does say 4X$, axle housing and all internal parts. They say that the ball joints aren't an internal part and I probably agree. I am thinking ring/pinion,carrier,bearings and such. I don't know a single person that has gotten them changed under that part of the warranty, but I will be calling them again tomorrow.

thanks