Use of lift kits and leveling kits are common in pickup trucks to increase ground clearance and use larger tires. However, improper use of these products on lifted trucks causes extra stresses on ball joints, causing them to wear out quickly.
According to our research, Best Ball Joints For Lifted Trucks include Moog that is compatible with GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado. Other good but relatively expensive options are Dynatrac and Skyjacker heavy-duty designs for Ford F250/350 and Dodge Ram 2500/3500. Kryptonite is also one of the latest ball joints with a lifetime replacement warranty. Mevotech TTX has a superior design with unique features to have maximum life. McQuay-Norris, TRW, Napa, and Fabtech are also popular with positive customer reviews.
This article will guide truck owners regarding several options for upgrading the OEM parts compatible with lift kits.
15 Examples of Best Ball Joints For Lifted Trucks
There are a variety of ball joints available in the market from various manufacturers. Some are available as individual parts, while others are a part of suspension kits or lift kits for pickup trucks.
Each design has its specifications, including its physical dimensions, weight, loading capacity, and fittings to ensure compatibility with your vehicle.
Moog ball joints
Moog K6541 is one of the best ball joints frequently used by truck owners and has the most positive customer reviews.
It has Gusher bearing technology for automatic lubrication and heat-treated studs for longer life.
It is compatible with many models like the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra and provides optimum operation with lift kits.
Furthermore, it is easy to install and fits with other suspension parts like control arms. You can buy a single piece for $35-$50 from online stores.
Napa ball joints
Napa precision-engineered products are available to ensure optimum performance.
Moreover, they have more challenging designs to work in extreme temperatures and anti-corrosion coating. You have to grease it by yourself through preinstalled fittings periodically.
It also has a dust boot to protect the interior parts from contaminants mixing the grease.
It has all the components, including flange, adapter ring, caters pin, and thread size, for a perfect fit on the vehicle.
It is compatible with trucks like Ford F250 and F350 for heavy-duty applications. Depending on your requirements, you can buy it for $84-$112.
TRW ball joints
They have rubber dust caps to prevent dust and water from entering the part.
It results in its reliable performance and longevity in service life. They have forged or specially treated steel in their construction for sturdy design and to withstand harsh conditions.
They have excellent damping and can last longer due to the glass fiber reinforced plastic bearings that reduce the friction to a minimum.
They have a sealed design requiring no greasing and are maintenance-free. There are specific variants according to vehicle models.
TRW JBJ1177 is compatible with the front lower of the 2004-2008 model Ford F150 and has a price of $36-$37.
You can buy JBJ949 for $44-$45 for use in the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma. JBJ301 is usable in 2007-2018 model Toyota Tundra for $42-$43 for a piece.
XRF ball joints
These are compatible with Dodge Ram and Ram vehicles from 2003-2012 models.
They have heavy-duty materials, including alloy steel and carbon, to ensure reliable operation. They are greaseable, and mounting hardware is available with the package.
They are a direct replacement with no additional fabrication or welding work required.
Other features are a million-mile warranty, optimum performance, and heavy-duty operation. You can buy the kit for $178-$200.
McQuay-Norris ball joints
They have a premium design to meet the OEM requirements.
They have the same design as the manufacturer, especially for Dodge Ram pickups. Moreover, they have dimensions to ensure a perfect fit.
They are also greaseable, with fitting available for easy maintenance. The rest of the standard features, including anti-rust coating and dust boot, are available.
FA2167 is compatible with Chevy Silverado 2500 HD and GMC Sierra for 2008-2009 models and has a price of $40-$45.
Fabtech ball joints
These are performance oriented and have designs to withstand the stresses of lifted trucks for off-road applications.
They are available in plenty of designs and dimensions according to the fitment in compatible vehicles.
They are greaseable, and you must regularly inspect them for enhanced life. FTS 1599–6-1 is compatible with the 1999-2016 model Chevy Silverado and Avalanche 1500 trucks.
However, you must change the OEM upper control arms with Fabtech parts for installation. It is also compatible with some models of GMC Sierra 1500.
You can buy it for $68-$78 from online stores. FTS20155 is well-matched with many vehicles like the 1998 Ford F150 with a 7.5-inches lift. It also has rubber caps to protect them from dirt and dust. It has a price range of $64-$70.
Cognito HD series upper ball joint
These are compatible with OEM control arms in the 1999-2018 models of Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.
They have hardened steel in their construction and perfect fabrication on CNC machines with excellent precision control.
Moreover, they have spring-loaded designs to cater to any wear in the ball with time. They are maintenance-free, requiring no lubrication.
It has a price range of $64-$67 per piece. The Cognito SM series is compatible with the 2020 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 heavy-duty pickups with a lift.
SCITOO ball joints
SCITOO suspension kit is compatible with many Chevrolet and GMC pickups, including Sierra, Silverado, and Avalanche from 2000-2006 models.
They ensure the stability of your vehicle on uneven surfaces and better handling on slippery surfaces.
It also has kits compatible with the 1998-2011 models of Ford Ranger and the 1997-2000 Mazda B2500, B3000, and B4000 trucks.
The manufacturer ensures good quality material and tests its products in real-world applications to prove its specified features. In addition, it comes with a standard 1-year warranty for all suspension kit parts.
Proforged ball joints
Proforged, formerly Power Performance, has the best ball joints made of forged steel for its housing and studs.
They have heavy-duty metal bearings for durability and longer life. They require greasing for ports available to ensure proper lubrication.
They have a black coating to prevent rust and corrosion for reliability.
They are easy to install and compatible with several vehicles. You can buy it for $50-$90, depending on your vehicle model.
Detroit Axle ball joints
These are compatible with heavy-duty vehicles like 1994-1999 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 with 4WD and 1992-2019 Ford F250/F350/F450/F550 with 2WD, 4WD, and Super Duty models.
You should check for compatibility with your particular vehicle model before purchasing. Moreover, they are greaseable, with Zerk grease fittings available for easy maintenance.
They are good quality and can last 5 years according to your driving style and truck usage.
Moreover, Detroit Axle has excellent customer service to help you in case of any problem or fitting problem of parts. You can buy these for $80-$90.
Kryptonite ball joints
It is compatible with the 2001-2010 model GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 HD.
They have a greaseable design that you can use to upgrade the OEM ball joints. It has a ball stud made of heat-treated steel for reliability and longer life.
Bearing housing has bronze, SAE 1045 steel, and graphite for robust performance in severe conditions.
Moreover, they have a heavy-duty thick rubber boot made of silicone polyurethane for enhanced protection, which never comes off.
Black oxide coating on their surface makes them corrosion free and ensures maximum life.
They have the largest ball stud of their counterparts in the market and sufficient angle clearance for easy installation and operation.
Most of all, the manufacturer provides a lifetime replacement warranty for these parts, including manufacturer defects, breakage, or premature wear.
Moreover, they don’t have any conditions for its validity. You can buy its package for $190-$210.
Mevotech TTX ball joints
They have a unique design to ensure maximum lifespan and are easy to fit and install on various vehicles.
They have specific sintered bearings sealed with self-lubrication. Other features are high strength multi-lip Boot for protection from contaminants, Repel TEK coating and larger flanges.
Moreover, they are greaseable, can last more than 100,000 miles without significant wear and tear, and are suitable for lifted pickups.
It is compatible with several vehicles, including Ford F250 and Dodge Ram 1500/2500.
Skyjacker ball joints
These are compatible with the 2007-2016 model Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 4WD. They are greaseable and easy to maintain.
They have a polymer boot to seal the joints from contaminants. They have a robust design with flexibility for optimum performance.
They are available in a package with front upper control arms. Therefore, they can be expensive to buy. It costs around $400-$450 to purchase the complete package.
Dynatrac heavy-duty ball joints
These are of premium quality with billet bodies and a high-strength heat-treated steel ball.
They have polymer seals to protect them from water and dust contamination. They also have grease fittings to facilitate regular maintenance.
They are compatible with 1994-1999 Dodge 2500/3500 and 1999-2016 Ford F250/F350 Super Duty pickup trucks with 4WD. Its cost for 4 pieces and mounting accessories is around $190-$200.
ACDelco ball joints
ACDelco is a General Motors (GM) sub-brand for manufacturing parts compatible with their vehicles.
Therefore, these can fit on vehicles like GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado.
They have forged steel housing to ensure strength and withstand high impacts, wear, and fatigue in rough terrains.
Furthermore, it has an anti-rust coating and rubber seal to protect its internal parts. Finally, ports are available to grease it and enhance its service life.
You should check its fitment status according to your truck model before buying. It has a price range of $45-$60.
Why are there separate upper and lower ball joints?
These connect the steering knuckle with upper and lower control arms to provide pivot points between wheels and suspensions to allow movement.
Heavy duty pickup trucks have 2 ball joints on each side for lower and upper control arms.
Lower parts are larger in size and support the weight of the pickup, while the upper one is the follower type that provides the pivot point for steering movement.
Therefore, they have different specifications, and their wear and tear also vary due to separate roles for each pair.
How long do ball joints last on a lifted truck?
Ball joints are parts that undergo a lot of movement and stress on lifted pickup trucks.
Their expected life also varies according to the driving style, usage, and exposure to harsh conditions.
They can last from 30,000 miles to 150,000 miles depending on their specific brand and applications.
Moreover, they have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years due to extra stresses resulting from lift kits and larger tires.
Do all ball joints are compatible with every truck model?
No, there are no universal fit ball joints that you can install on every pickup from different manufacturers.
Their fitting and compatibility vary from model to model and truck brands. Moreover, their matching dimensions with both control arms are also imperative.
However, changing the compatible control arm allows you to use these on every pickup.
Do you need to replace both ball joints at a time?
Experts and mechanics recommend replacing ball joints on both sides instead of a single.
If one of them has failed, there are chances that the other is also going to wear out in a short time.
Moreover, there can be alignment issues with different pairs.
Therefore, you should replace both upper and lower parts simultaneously to ensure reliable operation and avoid frequent visits to workshops.
When should you replace the ball joints of a lifted truck?
Few obvious symptoms indicate a faulty ball joint and a caution to replace it. The most common sign is a sharp clunking sound when you turn the steering wheel.
Moreover, the steering wheel becomes loose, making it challenging to handle the pickup truck on rough terrains.
You will also observe the misalignment and early wearing of front tires due to worn-out parts.
If you follow any of the symptoms, go for replacement without wasting time as it is a matter of safety.
In severe cases, the front of your vehicle comes out of the suspension, resulting in loss of control. It can end in a catastrophic accident.
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