rookiesenior

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.

Fastnail

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

81c3

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....

RUU

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.

zachaeous

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.