Front lower ball joints
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 24
Likes: 2
Front lower ball joints
My situation: Recent purchase of '92 base model. I am a senior wanting to get two summers of use before I pass it along or I pass along, whichever comes first. Need to replace front lower ball joints. I will be purchasing the items through a parts house. The wide variance in price is my question. I first saw Duralast (Auto Zone) part # FA 1661 @ $100.00 for a pair. Then discovered thru Napa; house brand part # PCC 10413 @ $55.00 for the pair. Based on my desires, why would i spend an extra $45.00 which could be applied to some other required item. No jokes about who or what will pass first if I don't spend an outrageous amount of money for the item in question. This vehicle will just be used for day trips..
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 609
Likes: 22
From: Milton Florida
St. Jude Donor '16
Unless you go with a high performance replacement, it seems that most of what is available nowadays is made overseas. That being said, and your intended use for the car, I would replace them with the lower priced parts and enjoy the car. Just my opinion.
Cheers
Cheers
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,577
Likes: 963
From: Communist Colorado
For me, I would want the bst possible parts in my front end.... Its a matter of safety... passing along the car to someone else with better quality parts in the front end would let me rest easier....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,269
Likes: 142
From: Ottawa Ontario
Lots of reports about certain cheaper brands not fitting properly. If you are having the work done by a shop, you might be better off letting them source the parts. Then it's their problem if the install is a pain in the butt.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
I picked up a set of AC Delco lower ball joints professional line for IIRC for $60.00 off of ebay. They fit perfectly and seem to be holding up just fine. I did the work in 2012 so 6 years worth of wear. I used Moog brand for the uppers and got them at a swap meet still new in the box for $40.00. I installed the lowers with the rent a tool ball joint press from Auto Zone. It worked well but if I had it to do over I would remove the lower control arms and use a shop press to do the job.
Last edited by zachaeous; Jul 13, 2018 at 10:50 PM.
