Recommend me some ball joints..

[JT1]

The time has come. I have some deflection on the drivers front that I can feel while driving and hear when the jeep is on jack stands. 20k miles, 17k of that on 37's.

Currently it looks like we have 4 popular options. Am I missing any others?
Metalcloak ~ $650
Dynatrac ~ $650
Synergy ~$300
Teraflex ~ $300

I know the Metalcloak and Dynatracs are rebuildable in place, but $150ish to rebuild them means the break even is 3 full replacements of the synergy or teraflex sets. I only average about 7500 miles a year and don't plan on being buried in this jeep.

Is there a massive increase in strength or durability going to the rebuildables?

I do wheel in the rocks, but I don't drive it like I need to win King of the Hammers either.

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[Hucke_250]

No personal experience, but add Apex Chassis to your list: https://apexchassis.com/collections/ball-joints/products/kit113-ball-joint-kit-2-bj160-2-bj161

 

[JT1]

No personal experience, but add Apex Chassis to your list: https://apexchassis.com/collections/ball-joints/products/kit113-ball-joint-kit-2-bj160-2-bj161

Those are really nice.. I don’t need knurled yet, so I’ll check their website more tomorrow to see if they have a smooth set

I like the design of the zerk seat too. Very low profile

Thanks!

 

[Roky]

The time has come. I have some deflection on the drivers front that I can feel while driving and hear when the jeep is on jack stands. 20k miles, 17k of that on 37's.

Currently it looks like we have 4 popular options. Am I missing any others?
Metalcloak ~ $650
Dynatrac ~ $650
Synergy ~$300
Teraflex ~ $300

I know the Metalcloak and Dynatracs are rebuildable in place, but $150ish to rebuild them means the break even is 3 full replacements of the synergy or teraflex sets. I only average about 7500 miles a year and don't plan on being buried in this jeep.

Is there a massive increase in strength or durability going to the rebuildables?

I do wheel in the rocks, but I don't drive it like I need to win King of the Hammers either.

Dynatracs ……. It’s not the amount of times you’ll replace them, it’s the fact they don’t come back out, especially with the aluminum knuckles…..the less remove/replace the better…. Besides they’re tried and true, proven badassness….. The other companies talk a good game but until they walk the walk, I’m not drinking the koolaid……….

 

[JT1]

Dynatracs ……. It’s not the amount of times you’ll replace them, it’s the fact they don’t come back out, especially with the aluminum knuckles…..the less remove/replace the better…. Besides they’re tried and true, proven badassness….. The other companies talk a good game but until they walk the walk, I’m not drinking the koolaid……….

Roky, that's kind of where I wonder if there is an advantage in my use case. The crappy factory ones lasted 20k.. will the synergy ball joints last 40k? how bout the dynatracs?

I honestly don't think I'm going to keep this one for 5 more years. If/when the new engine comes out in a JL or the JMs land, I'm probably switching.

I understand the rebuild in place aspect, but is there a real strength difference in the joint itself?

 

[Roky]

Roky, that's kind of where I wonder if there is an advantage in my use case. The crappy factory ones lasted 20k.. will the synergy ball joints last 40k? how bout the dynatracs?

I honestly don't think I'm going to keep this one for 5 more years. If/when the new engine comes out in a JL or the JMs land, I'm probably switching.

I understand the rebuild in place aspect, but is there a real strength difference in the joint itself?

I couldn’t say if they’re actually stronger or not to be honest….. And this day and age it’s hard to predict how long anything is gonna last……but I’m in it long term with this rig, so what’s good for me is not necessarily good for everyone…… With your plan, I’d say anything but oem will probably work for you…..

 

[JT1]

I couldn’t say if they’re actually stronger or not to be honest….. And this day and age it’s hard to predict how long anything is gonna last……but I’m in it long term with this rig, so what’s good for me is not necessarily good for everyone…… With your plan, I’d say anything but oem will probably work for you…..

Thanks Roky. Any thoughts on knurled vs not? The Apex joints that @Hucke_250 posted look slick, but only come knurled.

 

[Maverick909]

I am with Roky on this one i went the route of dynatrac. they back their products and have good customer service. you pay a price for good parts made in America. My OEM ball joints lasted 20K as well. I am now 7k miles into the dynatracs and they still feel great even with running 37's since day one. my OEMs spent most of the time with 33's

 

[Roky]

Thanks Roky. Any thoughts on knurled vs not? The Apex joints that @Hucke_250 posted look slick, but only come knurled.

I wouldn’t worry about the knurled, you’ll likely won’t need to replace them again, and if you do you’ll probably want to get steel knuckles at that point anyway….. I’d be more concerned about the brass bushing, not a fan…..

 

[grimmjeeper]

I like the Teraflex. They have an adjustable preload nut. As they wear you snug it up to spec. That makes them last a lot longer. No having to disassemble half the axle to rebuild them.

Either way, doing ball joints is a good opportunity to upgrade to steel knuckles. When I did mine both MOPAR and Reid were close to the same price.

 

[JT1]

I like the Teraflex. They have an adjustable preload nut. As they wear you snug it up to spec. That makes them last a lot longer. No having to disassemble half the axle to rebuild them.

Either way, doing ball joints is a good opportunity to upgrade to steel knuckles. When I did mine both MOPAR and Reid were close to the same price.

No issues with the zerk layout on the teraflex joints? Saw someone smashed the ports during install, and Murphy's Law is a thing.

 

[grimmjeeper]

No issues with the zerk layout on the teraflex joints? Saw someone smashed the ports during install, and Murphy's Law is a thing.

Yeah, you do need a good variety of ball joint tools. The basic kit won't cut it. Either the kit with 20+ ball joint cups or get an extended press like this one. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TMT6F6...OTJ4HA9R&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Maybe both.

 

[JT1]

Yeah, you do need a good variety of ball joint tools. The basic kit won't cut it. Either the kit with 20+ ball joint cups or get an extended press like this one. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TMT6F6...OTJ4HA9R&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Maybe both.

Perfect! Thank you!

 

[grimmjeeper]

Perfect! Thank you!

Found the kit I have.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08TMTCJN2?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

The short ring in the foreground is the one I used to clear the top of the joint when pressing it in.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Did a poll here:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/heavy-duty-ball-joints.111661/

current results:

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