Which brand ball joints?

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JeepFan3

NAXJA Forum User

Location

North Carolina

• Sep 10, 2018

• #1

I've been trying to decide which ball joints I should get for my '90 XJ and the reviews are all over the place: *"get brand X" / "brand X sucks"; "get brand Z" / "brand Z used to be good but now they suck". *

My XJ is my DD with some mild off-road use (4.7 stroker, 4" lift, 33" tires), and*I've had it for 15+ years and plan on keeping it another 15 years. *I don't mind spending $$$ on it, but I don't want to spend way more than I need and I definitely don't want to waste money on crappy parts. *What would you all suggest? *Thanks!

 

L

LLLux31

NAXJA Forum User

Location

NJ

• Sep 10, 2018

• #2

I'm about to change mine too. On my previous Jeeps I've stuck to Moog Problem Solver series but from the reading I've done people either suggest Spicer or Synergy.


Though if you don't mind spending $$$ https://shop.rareparts.com/RP12574-BALL-JOINT-KIT-A

 

sidewaysstarion

Coffee Drinker

NAXJA Member

Location

Torrance, CA

• Sep 10, 2018

• #3

Spicer all the way, I ran synergy ball joints and they lasted less than 5,000 street miles. I installed Spicer's and I abused them for 4 years and many miles, they were still tight when I sold the axles from under my rig.

 

lazyxj

NAXJA Member #1310

Location

Los Angeles

• Sep 10, 2018

• #4

sidewaysstarion said:

Spicer all the way, I ran synergy ball joints and they lasted less than 5,000 street miles. I installed Spicer's and I abused them for 4 years and many miles, they were still tight when I sold the axles from under my rig.

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Spicer is always a good choice.
Most parts today are available in a 'value' parts line and a 'professional' parts line.
I always go for the professional grade, getting as close to OEM-quality as possible.

 

J

JeepFan3

NAXJA Forum User

Location

North Carolina

• Sep 10, 2018

• #5

LLLux31 said:

Though if you don't mind spending $$$ https://shop.rareparts.com/RP12574-BALL-JOINT-KIT-A

Click to expand...

Yikes! Those look awesome, but for $650 they should be gold plated titanium.

 

T

tech1001

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Los Angeles / Santa Clarita

• Sep 10, 2018

• #6

I used Mevotech's Terrain Tough from Rock auto they list them as heavy duty ball joints and the cost is about the same as Spicer .

 

R

Runnin'OnEmpty

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Southeast USA

• Sep 11, 2018

• #7

I've always used Moog and haven't had any trouble with them. The key with suspension parts is to grease them regularly. Always grease new parts, since many are sold dry and they will quickly self-destruct without lube...

 

S

steed76

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Lafayette, Indiana

• Sep 11, 2018

• #8

I just bought alloy USA but haven't installed them as of yet, waiting on rest of parts to arrive, lift, sye, etc.

 

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4x4JeePmaNthINg

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Colorado

• Sep 12, 2018

• #9

x2 Spicer.

I read a bunch of threads on ball joints before replacing. Some like synergy are splined. some wear out waaaay to fast. Almost all brands somebody had some bad review on ( used to be good, now its not...bla bla bla). Thus far, I just have never read a complaint on Spicer, and they are the factory part supplier. They seem to keep the crowd happy, so far so good!

 

J

JeepFan3

NAXJA Forum User

Location

North Carolina

• Sep 13, 2018

• #10

Thanks for all of the comments! Looks like I will go with Spicer. I figure if the original ones lasted me 180K miles, that's good enough for me.