Ball Joints

84fordforme · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 11:48 AM

When i bought my 84 diesel, i knew the ball joints were shot. It seems to drive fine, and i don't drive it very far. The tires are showing wear signs, but they are old, and like i said, i dont drive enough miles for that to be an issue any time soon. My question is, how long do i have before i need to replace these ball joints? what will happen if i let it go too long? Thanks guys!

460+ · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 05:47 PM

Welcome!!Best way to tell how loose the b-joints are, jack up one side at a time and grab wheel one hand top and one hand bottom and wiggle the wheel. If alot of movement probably bad, a little loose your alright.If they are real loose replace them,I have seen them brake off. If ball joints ok check tie rod ends could also cause tires to wear.

***vitalidle*** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 05:51 PM

Yeah don't wait like I did. Thank god I was only going about 20 through town as they broke off on my old S-10. Good way to cause a wreck if they are worn.

84fordforme · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 06:13 PM

thanks for the replies, i just jacked up each side and checked them how 460 said too. They don't move much at all, just a small movement when you apply alot of force. The kind of click/pop when the move a tiny bit. Not sure if this is considered bad or not. The best way to describe it is that the wheel/tire will move a bit, and when it moves, it makes a quiet pop. I have noticed when i drive over bumps/potholes, my truck makes a popping noise, similiar to sheetmetal when u dent it, like a hood denting and undenting. I dont know if these are related, it is and 84 it could be something else bumping around. Thanks for all the help.

***vitalidle*** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 06:19 PM

Being thats its an 84 your probobly have lots of rattles. Sounds like they could be bad if its a popping sound. You really shouldnt have much if any movement with the ball joints.

84fordforme · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 06:21 PM

there isnt a whole lot of movement, and its not a loud sound, and it takes some muscle to make it move at all, so i dunno, im not a suspension expert

***vitalidle*** · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 06:29 PM

Yeah the movement allowed is in the thousandsths not sure of the exact so its pretty small. Just keep and eye on it and check your tire wear your inside will wear faster then the outside.