I figure this has probably been discussed but I wasn’t able to find much in the search. I just wanted to get some thoughts on what’s the best bang for your buck when it comes to ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings. Should I stick with Moog and Timken or is there a suitable alternative that’s a little cheaper?
CK5
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Ball Joints/Tie Rod End/Wheel Bearing Brand?
- Thread starter Bob39666
- Start date
I wouldn't try to save any money here to get a lesser part, as you'll just do the job again sooner. Especially ball joints which is like 4 hours of labor to save $20, not to mention what extra wear on your tires costs you. Where you can save money is in research each on each item. Look for things like RockAuto closeouts, Amazon Warehouse returns, or figure out what brands are re-boxed name brands. For example, you might find Moog joints sold as NAPA Gold or something like that.
I always use Timken for any bearings so long as I can find the right ones.
For the ball joints, tie rods, and other steering components, I just buy off the shelf at the parts store. I was a parts guy for several years and never had someone come back with a warranty claim on these kinds of parts.
If you are intent on rock crawling or "performance" maneuvering then go for better brands. You aren't likely to snap any of the OEM quality parts under normal driving conditions, they'll just wear out over time. But if you are aiming for Moab i'd want to know my components can handle the obscene shear loads that come with cranking the wheel on big tires and bigger rocks.
I would avoid trying to find the cheapest thing possible on Amazon.
For the ball joints, tie rods, and other steering components, I just buy off the shelf at the parts store. I was a parts guy for several years and never had someone come back with a warranty claim on these kinds of parts.
If you are intent on rock crawling or "performance" maneuvering then go for better brands. You aren't likely to snap any of the OEM quality parts under normal driving conditions, they'll just wear out over time. But if you are aiming for Moab i'd want to know my components can handle the obscene shear loads that come with cranking the wheel on big tires and bigger rocks.
I would avoid trying to find the cheapest thing possible on Amazon.
I used moog on mine but I think it was Larry who used some really nice stuff on the 44 in is K5 project. I can’t remember the name for the life of me though.
I can't remember what they were either. I know they were supposed to be real nice ones.
TTX.
Post in thread 'Stout Mutt 85K5'
https://ck5.com/forums/threads/stout-mutt-85k5.338643/post-4031124
Post in thread 'Stout Mutt 85K5'
https://ck5.com/forums/threads/stout-mutt-85k5.338643/post-4031124
Those are the ones I'm going to order for my truck, cheapest place so far I've found is rock auto
Dana Spicer still makes ball joints, look at those over Moog. Mevotech is another good one. I have Moog and I hate the splined design and the lock nuts for the lowers are garbage. That being said, I reused the old nuts and did the torque sequence and all seems to be good after 500 miles. If you get greasable ball joints I highly recommend Lucas or Amsoil grease. In fact, Moog recommends Lucas marine grease for ball joints on their website. I used Lucas Red-n-Tacky for the wheel bearings. Don't get good parts and then put cheap grease in them. You wouldn't do that to a new motor or tranny with oil/trans fluid. I am still a firm believer in Timken for bearings. All the ones that fit these trucks are still made in USA. Timken or National for seals is fine. National is kinda owned by Timken best I could tell.
Napa premium line of bearings is SKF. Their low grade stuff will say NAPA on the box. NAPA can get Spicer, but they usually have to special order that.
