Which parts wear first.

[longfiredragon]

Hey all

I have 48K on the odometer and OEM parts except the sway bar links and LCA's. (Spacer lift)spacer lift parts have maybe 10K less miles. I have another 17K miles or so on the chassis parts because of the flat towing. The jeep currently drives fine. But have seen on here that things like the track bars are toast around 60K. My friends track bars were crap at 65K and I have done more off roading than him.

Just wondering what parts wear first.

Track bars?
LCA's?
Ball joints?

Later this year I am hoping to do trails in Utah, Idaho, and Colorado. Just want to be sure jeep is up for the task and considering lifts or just replacing some individual items.

Thanks

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[roaniecowpony]

My experience was that the ball joints were loose very early on.

So, I'd suggest the balljoints and trackbar be replaced with some good reputation aftermarket parts. I'm currently running Dynatrac balljoints and Steersmarts trackbar. But those new Metalcloak balljoints look well designed.

 

[longfiredragon]

My experience was that the ball joints were loose very early on.

So, I'd suggest the balljoints and trackbar be replaced with some good reputation aftermarket parts. I'm currently running Dynatrac balljoints and Steersmarts trackbar. But those new Metalcloak balljoints look well designed.

@roaniecowpony

I have never done ball joints. Are they a mother?

I am in an RV with limited tools.

 

[dpike]

i agree with ball joints. replaced the worn/loose OEM ones with dynatracs at 45k

 

[longfiredragon]

Just watched a video. Definitely could do it myself, if I was home. But probably not here in the RV park. Have to look for a reputable shop and check labor.

 

[Vinman]

I wouldn’t replace a single part without verifying it needs replacement.

 

[GRAK]

The oem ball joints are junk yep, def replace those. Aftermarket options far better

 

[longfiredragon]

I wouldn’t replace a single part without verifying it needs replacement.

I usually don't, but circumstances are a little different. For me it might be preventative maintenance. Although I am sure they have some wear.

I am in an RV. Most parks won't even let you receive packages, and you can forget about Any maintenance on your coach or your tow vehicle. Not even washing either vehicle.

But here in tombstone I can get packages, and do almost any maintenance I want to the coach or jeep. Plus we are here for a few months. When we start traveling again we are not in one place more than about a week.

Point is, for me this is not only the best time it might be the only time for a while. And if I don't and something starts acting up, I am stuck where I'm at until I get it fixed. Also depending on where I am, might not be able to get it fixed without a hefty tow bill.

This is why I am considering it now before we head to Colorado, Utah, and Idaho.

The oem ball joints are junk yep, def replace those. Aftermarket options far better

This seems to be the overall opinion. I am going to be really busy when I get back to FL. If I do them now, I won't have to worry about it for a while. Or, when we hit the trails on the way back ?

 

[melendez69]

Just watched a video. Definitely could do it myself, if I was home. But probably not here in the RV park. Have to look for a reputable shop and check labor.

I recently replaced the ball joints...time-consuming, but not that difficult; just take your time with it. Remember there's an extra step on passenger-side (FAD cover).

 

[Shibadog]

I wouldn’t replace a single part without verifying it needs replacement.

This. I’ve never replaced ball joints on any of my Jeeps. My TJ went 140k on stockers. Don’t “fix” it unless it’s broke.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

A lot of factors go into wear but from that list, I would put money on the ball joints being the 1st thing to go bad. They could last 14K miles or 114K miles though.

 

[longfiredragon]

Thanks for the replies.

I am still up in the air and researching. I have done quite a bit of off roading and am planning more. Plus I do have zero offset wheels which makes them stick out about an inch.

Witch puts a little more load on those parts, even though there only 33's.

 

[roaniecowpony]

A lot of factors go into wear but from that list, I would put money on the ball joints being the 1st thing to go bad. They could last 14K miles or 114K miles though.

I think we have enough reports from people that up sized tires and revealed loose balljoints, that we know the plastic lined OEM balljoints pound/wear to a loose condition in unusually low miles on the JL, and often enough, are only revealed when large tires are installed.

 

[alphawolff]

I wouldn’t replace a single part without verifying it needs replacement.

This. Just shake everything down every time you do an oil change and make plans from there.

 

[dragoneggs]

We all have our own experience. I lifted with Clayton and left my steering (tie rod and drag link stock). They are both shot and also one end of my Clayton Track bar. I’m disappointed that only 15K mi and moderate (okay 5 BOH trails) off-roading I need to replace my OEM tie rod and drag link. Oh well. But if I’m having this conversation after another 15 to 30K… I will be in a different mood.

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