How bad are these ball joints

[ekohn00]

I have a '18 JLU with 25K miles. The steering has been very problematic. Just brought it in again, since it will pull to one side or another randomly.
It was recommended to replace the ball joints....does this video show just how bad they really are?

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[roaniecowpony]

....does this video show just how bad they really are?

Not really. But it doesn't mean they aren't bad either.

 

[Hercules]

You should not be able to wiggle the stud by hand that easy. I’d def say replace. Dynatracs are always a good safe upgrade. That’s what I did.

 

[Roky]

Don’t get me started…..

 

[roaniecowpony]

You should not be able to wiggle the stud by hand that easy. I’d def say replace. Dynatracs are always a good safe upgrade. That’s what I did.

The Metalcloak adjustable balljoints look promising too. But, I agree on the Dynatracs. That's what I got a year or so ago.

 

[somedude922]

Regardless, since you're already going to pay the labor for them to tear it down that far, you might as well replace them. They may not be "shot", but soon will be.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I have a '18 JLU with 25K miles. The steering has been very problematic. Just brought it in again, since it will pull to one side or another randomly.
It was recommended to replace the ball joints....does this video show just how bad they really are?

Definitely change the stock balljoints. Just don't put OEM balljoints in. Just about any major brand is better. But, Dynatrac has the best reputation on the market for Jeep balljoints. ~$600 for a set.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Steering in my 18 JLUR was $#!t from day one. Scared my wife to the point she wouldn't drive it for years until I fixed it.

After you change the balljoints, put a good trackbar on it. The later (2020 up) OEM one is ok, if you run stock tires and suspension. Then, the steering box should be upgraded to the latest. The original steering box is aluminum, where the latest upgraded box is cast iron/steel.

 

[ekohn00]

Don’t get me started…..

Due tell......

 

[roaniecowpony]

Latest trackbar 68394087AA
Latest steering box for 4 door Unlimited 68551684AE

 

[bkgray115]

I just changed mine at 90k 2019 JLR w/35s sice 36k. they had some play but not that much. I only got 25k out of my 2014 JKU w/35s. I went with Teraflex adjustable in both!

 

[Roky]

Due tell......

Short version…… JL oem ball joints sucks ass….it’s by far the stupidest thing they did, which is in a long line of stupid things they did…. However they also did some really awesome things to the JL as well…… bottom line is, if you wheel your rig moderate to hard on a regular basis, just change out the knuckles, ball joints, track bar, tie rod and drag link, you’ll enjoy your rig a lot more, and will be worry free of steering issues…… Of course opinions vary……. ?

 

[ekohn00]

Short version…… JL oem ball joints sucks ass….it’s by far the stupidest thing they did, which is in a long line of stupid things they did…. However they also did some really awesome things to the JL as well…… bottom line is, if you wheel your rig moderate to hard on a regular basis, just change out the knuckles, ball joints, track bar, tie rod and drag link, you’ll enjoy your rig a lot more, and will be worry free of steering issues…… Of course opinions vary……. ?

thanks. the news hurts, but confirms.

I've had jeep trackbar and steer box done.
I just had the Teraflex Drag Link & Tie Rod Kit installed, which made a big difference. but still has hard drifts.

It's just shocking all the shit needed to fix the steering......

sounds like ball joints are next.....

 

[Roky]

Yea

thanks. the news hurts, but confirms.

I've had jeep trackbar and steer box done.
I just had the Teraflex Drag Link & Tie Rod Kit installed, which made a big difference. but still has hard drifts.

It's just shocking all the shit needed to fix the steering......

sounds like ball joints are next.....

, you’ll see a huge difference…..

 

[CptFloridaMan]

Man imma ask the shop that’s doing my gears to do the BJs at the same time. I put a crowbar under the tire to test the BJs but didn’t see up and down play. But I’m sure they’re most likely like yours. 50k miles, the last 25k has been on 35s so more than likely.

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