Driving a Jeep JK vehicle is perhaps one of the best road experiences for those who love adventures. It will not give the best comfort that comes with regular SUVs but you are sure to get to and through rough terrains without a problem.
However, this type of vehicle requires adequate maintenance, and of course demands quality parts, especially ball joints. Given the potential pressure that the suspension of your Jeep JK could face, there is a high chance that you may have to replace the ball joints after a while.
Besides, the built-in ball joints of this type of Jeep are not as good as some specially made replacements!
There are a few pointers to the need for you to change the ball joints of your Jeep JK. The most common one is the constant loss of control of the vehicle, as it pulls from right to left while driving it.
This simply means that the suspension system is becoming defective. And of course, if it is examined, you will most likely see the need to replace the ball joints.
Another pointer is the sight of the inner tires of the front wheels wearing out excessively. Do not imagine that you purchased bad tires. On the contrary, you should check the ball joints and have them replaced as soon as possible.
So, how easy is it to get suitable replacements if you do notice a need for such? Not really, one must be honest. That is why we have put together a review of some of the proven ball joints for Jeep JK you will find on the market. Without much ado, let’s check it out.
- Set of 4 ball joints (2 Upper & 2 Lower)
10 Best Ball Joints for Jeep JK
#1. TetraFlex (3442002 JK/JKU HD Dana 30/44) Upper And Lower Ball Joint Kit
Owning a Jeep JK is one of the best choices of mobility any lover of adventure can make but the maintenance of this beast, especially when it comes to finding the right ball joints for it.
With the TetraFlex Ball Joint kit comes peace of mind. Made from 4140 chrome alloy, this set of 4 ball joints do not only provide you with functionality. They seem durable as well.
One of the most interesting features is the extra cushion they will give to your Jeep’s wheels. No matter the load, particularly on the sides, your car will get the right balance and even navigate rough terrains comfortably.
They can also be easily greased and adjusted. Not only are they good to go once fixed. You will also find them easy to maintain.
If your Jeep Wrangler is a model from 2007 down to 2012, the ball joints will work perfectly for you. However, there is the possibility of them doing well with newer models too. All you need to do is modify your axle shaft for them to fit.
Installation is not really for DIYers, despite the fact that the package comes with easy-to-follow instructions. It is therefore advisable that you let professionals, and really good ones at that, do the fitting for you.
#2. Moog K80026 Ball Joint
Moog Chasis Products makes some of the quality ball joints for Jeep JK on the market. The K80026 Ball Joint is arguably one of their premium products and you may want to give it some consideration. Here’s why.
The ball joint is made of metal all through, providing it with strength and high chances of durability. The studs are heat-treated and that promises low possibly of them failing early after you must have installed them. Really, it would take a lot of usages and through long mileage before having to change it.
Another good thing about the design is that it will ensure that the grease penetrates the surface of the bearing. This, of course, will bring about a reduction in friction, and invariably, contribute to a long lifespan for the ball joints.
Yes, it is “greaseable” as well. What you should expect therefore is great movement and enhancement of steering of the wheels. Also, wear and tear will be greatly reduced, as long as the grease is renewed over a specific period of time.
For those that love to fix things by themselves, the ball joint is actually easy to install. If you have the right mechanical tools, just follow the instructions to the letter.
#3. Dynatrac Pro Steel Ball joint (CR92-2X3050-A)
There is a wide range of Jeeps that this set of ball joints can work with, especially models from 2003 to 2012. With this level of versatility comes quality and great performance as well.
You will find in the package 4 ball joints with the kits for installation. Each of the joints is made of sturdy steel that blends right with your jeep’s suspension.
The ball joints come pre-greased from the manufacturers. But then, there is a chance that you could add a bit of grease while doing the installation. Good thing is that you may not need to re-grease until the expiration of the ball joints.
Dynatrac CR92-2X3050-A Pro Steel Ball joints can be easily installed whether you are a trained mechanic or just a handyman. But one advice for DYers: get the installation right to be sure of the ball joints’ optimal performance.
The only noticeable downside of this set is that they are not adjustable. Well, if the quality is great and durability guaranteed, then that may not be necessary.
#4. Rare Parts RP12573 Ball Joint Kit
There are times when one just has to place preference for performance irrespective of the cost for such. You may consider getting Rare Parts RP12573 Ball Joint Kit if you are on board this train of thought.
It is very unlikely that these ball joints will disappoint you. The kit is a complete set of upper and lower ball joints for both sides. There is a brown anodized retaining nut around the upper ball joints to distinguish it from the lower ones.
Normally, lower ball joints of Jeep JK are meant to perform the function of holding up the loads. This kit has constructed the upper ball joints to share the burden with the lower ball joints. What you will be bequeathing on the Jeep is reliable load-carrying power.
All hardware for fixing the kit is included in the package. So you won’t need to purchase anything extra.
The installation is almost like plug and play for those who are a little bit familiar with changing stuff like this. There is an instruction to get even a novice through the installation. The ball joints are also greaseable.
#5. Dana Spicer Suspension Ball Joint (706944X)
Here is a model of Dana Spicer that comes highly recommended because of its performance. Each of the ball joints is designed not just to look sleek but also mainly to give your Jeep seamless drive through any kind of terrain.
The set includes 1 upper and 1 lower ball joints, making it 2 in total, though advertisements say 4 ball joints. They are lightweight yet sturdy and, to be honest, are worth considering if you need to replace the old ones in your front wheels.
As far as the installation of these items is concerned, the work is quite easy as the kits are pretty straightforward to fit. Give or take, installing the ball joints should not take more than three hours. A nimble mechanic might do justice to the job in about two hours.
What about the greasing of this set. It will interest you that the lower ball joint comes pre-greased while the upper one has fitting for greasing. This does not mean that you wouldn’t be needing a bit of additional grease for the pre-greased upper ball joint though.
Another useful piece of information that showcases the advantage of these joints is the fact that they will cover no less than 100, 000 miles without the need for replacement. That is probably enough to sway a serious potential buyer.
#6. Alloy USA 11800 Upper and Lower Ball Joint Kit
For those that love made in the United States of America products, this would probably appeal to you as the brand name instantly tells you where it is produced.
You will find comfort that the joints and the sockets are made from solid steel. Given proper installation, you are likely not going to experience wobbling from your jeep for a long while. What you get instead is a pleasurable ride!
This set contains 2 upper ball joints, 2 lower ball joints, 4 cutter pins, and 2 snap rings. Be rest assured that the quality of the ball is underscored by the fact that the ball studs are SAE 4140 and 4120 heat-treated.
The best part of this is that the kits are designed with a grease fitting that allows grease to be feed into the bearings. If you don’t want them to develop issues early on after installation, ensure that you have them greased all the time. The good news is that you can easily grease the upper joints whenever that is required.
While the products, if well-installed, should give you a couple of years of moderate distances covered, they may not last up to five years that the warranty promises.
#7. Moog K3185 Ball Joint
Here is yet another one from Moog Chasis Products, and like all ball joints from their stable, the K3185 model will provide a quality connection between your Jeep JK’s steering and suspension.
Those who are familiar with ball joints are well aware of the fact that dirt can cause a great deal of damage to the sockets. What sets this model apart from the rest of Moog’s ball joint models essentially is that it comes with a dust boot that protects greased socket from dirt.
The stud of the ball joint is heat-treated metal. As a consequence, they provide great resilience and durability over a long period of time after installation.
Fixing items such as this demand greasing just so the components move with fluidity. Well, the socket of the K3185 model is greaseable, allowing for easy movement.
One more thing you should know: the ball joint has MOOG imprinted on it. Therefore, counterfeits of the product can be easily identified.
#8. Mac Auto Parts Fit for (07-17) Jeep Wrangler Ball Joints
Sometimes complete parts of suspension for Jeep JK might be a necessity. If this is the case for you, there is a complete set from Mac Auto Parts that are not just fairly affordable but also worth every dime.
In the collection are one Tie Rod End Right Lower Outer, one Tie Rod Pitman Arm To Steering Assembly Right Upper Outer, Left Outer D/S Outer, two Lower Ball Joints and Upper Ball Joints.
The 4 ball joints are a perfect fit for Jeep Wranglers from 2007 to 2015. Their versatility extends to early-mid 2016 models but the fixing would require the expertise of an experienced mechanic. That being said, the installation generally comes with no hassle, though you should be familiar with fixing stuff like these parts.
One bit of a let down is that the ball joints do not come with grease fittings. Not even for the lower ball joints, which carry much of the load and need to be lubricated all the time. This means that the fixing would require a lot of greases and expert application.
Nonetheless, if death wobbles are giving you a headache, these ball joints could be a real pain killer. Your steering will get great responsiveness and tightness so much that every ride gives more comfort than you’ve ever experienced before.
#9. PartsW 4PC Suspension Kit
There are few ball joint kits that measure up to the versatility that the PartsW 4PC Suspension Kit offers Jeep owners. You can consider getting this set if you drive a Cherokee, Comanche, Waggoner, Grand Waggoner, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, TJ and Wrangler JK.
If you do get this set, you will find in it two upper ball joints and two lower ball joints, with each made from premium steel materials. Specifically, the studs in the joints are made from quality alloy steel for not just strength but also balance and durability.
You should also expect to have in the package complete hardware for full installation. But what you shouldn’t expect is an easy installation. So, for DIYers who are not sure of themselves should leave the fixing to the Pros.
Another feature you will like about these ball joints that they are designed with dust boots for reducing the effect of dirt, sand and other contaminants. They keep the joints moving while ensuring long-term performance.
#10. Synergy Manufacturing (8009-12) Ball Joint
If you need to get death wobbles out of the movement of your Jeep JK, you may want to give Synergy Manufacturing 8009-12 Ball Joint a trial.
The best feature of this kit has to do with installation. Apart from the fact that the ball joints are designed for easy fixing, the package you will be purchasing comes with step-by-step instructions. This will help you do the job without having to pay a dime to your mechanic.
In terms of longevity, this kit has a terminal length of service of about 40, 000-50, 000 mileage, meaning that they are only good for quick fixes. So, if your priority is a kit that will serve you long term, this one is probably not for you.
It is advisable to consider these ball joints as good alternatives and stuff for the short term. The fact that they are not pricy makes this suggestion appropriate if you think of it.
But then, while they serve you, you can rest assured that that you will get good results from them. They are solid and considerably sturdy, never mind that they come at the bottom of our list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the ball joints greaseable?
It is normal for ball joints to be greaseable. This is because of the importance of lubrication for them to last long. Even those that are pre-greased could require additional greasing.
Does this kit come with two upper and two lower front ball joints?
It usually depends on the manufacturer. There are times that you will find a single ball joint put on the market. What this means is that each of the four ball joints used by all four wheels is placed for order independently. This is good for those looking for just about the ball joint that needs to be replaced. It will help them save money. But it is more commonplace to see ball joints for Jeep JK sold in pairs.
Do the ball joints have grease fittings?
Greasing is an important aspect of the functionality of ball joints. It is ideal for ball joints to be sold with grease fittings and this is because of the role greasing plays. If they do not come with grease fittings, the probability of the products sold pre-greased is very much high.
Are they adjustable?
This depends on the product. Quite a number of the ball joints online and in the stores are adjustable. It is, however, tricky because some manufacturers sell their products as “adjustable” when in fact they are not.
Will these fit the 1993 Grand Cherokee?
The most commonly enquired information regarding ball joints for Jeep JK has to do with the compatibility with other vehicles. While some of them showcase versatility by working with Jeeps other than wranglers, others may not work. What is ideal is to source for information about the product you intend to buy and see if it is compatible with your vehicle.
Final Verdict
From this review, you will notice that quality cannot be compromised when it comes to the replacement of ball joints.
You should be confident of 2 years plus of use and a minimum of 50, 000 miles after getting any one of these products. You have got ten of them here with their features, pros, and cons. The choice is yours to exploit!
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
