Ball joints connect the car wheels to the suspension system, and allow them to move together. Ball joints deteriorate if dirt, grit and impurities get inside or grease escapes, leading to a lack of lubrication. If this happens you may need to look at replacing the ball joints and knowing what to look for in the best ball joint option will be key.
We have put together a list of the best ball joints along with their pros and cons to help you decide which ball joint will be best for your vehicle.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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1. MOOG K80026 Ball Joint
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2. ACDelco Advantage 46D2281A Front Lower Suspension Ball Joint
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3. TeraFlex 3442002 Ball Joints (Premium JK Dana 30/44 Ball Joint Kit)
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4. Alloy USA 11801 Suspension Ball Joint Kit
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5. Rough Country Heavy Duty Replacement Ball Joints
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1. MOOG K80026 Ball Joint
Specification
| Brand | MOOG |
| Model | K80026 |
| Weight | 1.4 Pounds |
Features
- Number of Ball Joints: 1
- Compatibility: Available for foreign and domestic nameplates
- Warranty: Contact seller for warranty
- Use on both 2 and 4-wheel drive vehicles
- Fully greaseable metal on metal design
- Easy to install
- Durable build quality
- Good value for money
- Greaseable socket design
MOOG ball joints, deliver reliable performance you can count on. MOOG problem-solving innovations ensure fast, hassle-free installation. They are both strong and durable and improve chassis performance.
WHAT WE LIKE
The metal to metal design of these ball joints provides strength and grease to flow through. The fact that they are easy to install means you will be able to get your ball joints replaced in record time.
The fact that they can be used on a range of vehicles adds to its versatility The greasable socket allows lubrication to flush contaminants for added durability.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Inconsistent quality control can result in receiving used parts despite ordering new ones.
Sometimes the incorrect part has been received as well which results in delays in waiting for the new correct one. Despite saying it can be used for most vehicles it is not for all vehicles which can result in disappointment if it does not fit.
PROS
- Metal to metal design for strength
- Easy installation
- Versatile usage
- Greasable socket for durability
CONS
- Inconsistent quality control
- Incorrect part sent
- Does not fit all vehicles
2. ACDelco Advantage 46D2281A Front Lower Suspension Ball Joint
Specification
| Brand | ACDelco |
| Model | 46D2281A |
| Weight | 1.25 Pounds |
Features
- Number of Ball Joints: 1
- Compatibility: Check on manufacturer’s site for compatibility
- Warranty: Limited warranty from date of purchase
- Forged housing for durability
- Undergo extreme impact, wear, and fatigue testing to ensure quality and durability
- Coated for corrosion resistance
- Forged, machined shell provides strength
ACDelco Advantage Ball Joints are economical replacement components for your GM and non-GM vehicle.
These ball joints connect your vehicle’s control arm to its steering knuckle, and feature a polyurethane dust boot and one-piece housing. These dependable aftermarket suspension ball joints offer quality and performance, all at an economical price.
WHAT WE LIKE
The forged housing and machine shell provides durability and strength. The coating for corrosion resistance is a nice plus. The good testing and quality control ensure that you get a quality ball joint. A well priced and affordable option this ball joint, this one won’t break the bank.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
There seems to be some confusion or ambiguity around the compatibility of these ball joints with certain vehicles from the manufacturer. There are no clear markings to indicate which side the ball joint needs to be installed, which is not ideal. Difficult to install the ball joints without applying certain tips and tricks to get them in.
PROS
- Forged housing for durability
- Strong
- Good Testing and quality control
- Affordable
CONS
- Ambiguity around vehicle compatibility
- No clear markings indicating which side
- Difficult to install
3. TeraFlex 3442002 Ball Joints (Premium JK Dana 30/44 Ball Joint Kit)
Specification
| Brand | TeraFlex |
| Model | 3442002 |
| Weight | 5.81 pounds |
Features
- Number of Ball Joints: All 4 Ball Joints
- Compatibility: Fits all JK Wrangler/Unlimited models with Dana 30 or Dana 44 front axles.
- Warranty: Contact manufacturer
- Fits JK/JKU Wrangler w/ Dana 30 or 44 axle
- Adjustable
- Graspable
- All 4 Ball Joints
- Fits 07-12 JK ONLY
- 4140 Chrome Moly
- Greasable
TeraFlex JK: HD Ball Joints are engineered to handle the increased load caused by oversized tires and offset wheels. Includes a pair of both upper and lower ball joints. They have heat treated 4140 chromoly ball/stud and 1045 carbon steel housing. Including a magnesium phosphate coating to inhibit corrosion throughout.
WHAT WE LIKE
Including all 4 ball joints with 2 pairs of upper and lower ball joints in one pack is convenient. The magnesium phosphate coating helps prevent corrosion throughout which is helpful.
Extremely hard sintered wear bushings in upper ball joints to handle extreme side load demands. Lower ball joint has a hard alloy tool steel slotted wear plate for ball/stud to socket wear protection.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
They tend to not be durable and will require replacement faster than you would like which is not ideal.
For models from 2012 onwards these will not work well and while there are indications that with modifications these ball joints can work this is not practically actionable. These are definitely a more expensive option not ideal for everyone.
PROS
- All 4 ball joints included
- Coating to prevent corrosion
- Upper ball joint can handle hard demands
- Lower ball joints designed to prevent wear protection
CONS
- Not durable or long lasting
- Not suitable for 2012 models onwards
- More expensive option
4. Alloy USA 11801 Suspension Ball Joint Kit
Specification
| Brand | Alloy USA |
| Model | 11801 |
| Weight | 3 pounds |
Features
- Number of Ball Joints: 4 pieces
- Compatibility: 84-06 Jeep Wrangler/Cherokee
- Warranty: Limited 5 year warranty
- Steel Construction
- Greater strength
- Low profile Zerk fittings
- Hardware included
- Exclusive threaded preload system
The Alloy USA HD ball joints were designed with a low profile (grease) zerk fitting. Inner insert is replaced by a high strength steel socket.This steel insert increases ball joint strength.
This is a must for lifted vehicles running tires larger than stock. Ball and socket use an exclusive threaded preload system that prolongs joint life.
WHAT WE LIKE
Heavy duty ball joint kit includes 2 upper and 2 lower ball joints which is convenient for an all in one kit.
Zerk grease fitting allows for continued maintenance which is ideal in durability of ball joints. This kit has a threaded preload system for precise steering. Made from SAE 4120 and 4140 heat treated high grade steel for extra strength and quality.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
These ball joints sadly do not last long, you will need to replace the ball joints again a lot sooner than you would like to. Will not work for later model Grand Cherokees with CV axles shafts and rubber boots. One side tends to go smoothly with installation only for the other side to give challenges.
PROS
- Full kit of 4 ball joints
- Continued self maintenance
- Precise steering
- Extra strength
CONS
- Not long lasting
- Only works for certain models
- Installation is a mixed experience
5. Rough Country Heavy Duty Replacement Ball Joints
Specification
| Brand | Rough Country |
| Model | 10626 |
| Weight | 5.45 pounds |
Features
- Number of Ball Joints: Set of 4 ball joints (2 Upper & 2 Lower)
- Compatibility:Fit Dana 30 & Dana 44 Axles (Fit Dana 30 & Dana 44 Axles)
- Warranty: Rough Country’s 3 Year Warranty
- Chromoly Ball Stud
- Polyurethane Dust Boot
Rough Country’s replacement ball joints are designed from the ground up to give you a stronger, longer lasting ball joint that is a direct factory replacement.
WHAT WE LIKE
Convenient ball joint kit including all 4 ball joints with 2 upper and 2 lower. The three year Rough Country warranty gives you peace of mind that you are getting a quality product.
An affordable option when it comes to ball joints that are real value for money. Allows replacement of the weak factory ball joints with a heavy-duty joint that is designed to handle additional stresses of oversize tires.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Bad placement of the lower ball joint grease nipple you need to grease your ball joints prior to installing because of this.
This model is only suitable for certain Jeeps and this needs to be carefully considered before buying. There is a break-in period for metal on metal ball joints, typically during the first 100-500 miles the steering may be hesitant to return to center and have a heavier feel which is important to note or you may feel something is wrong.
PROS
- Convenient kit
- Value for money
- Heavy duty joint replacement
- Three year warranty for peace of mind
CONS
- Bad placement of lower ball joint nipple
- Only suitable for certain Jeep models
- Break-in period can be confusing
Conclusion
If you need to replace ball joints then look no further than the “MOOG K80026 Ball Joint”. You will find the metal to metal design provides strength and allows grease flow through to add to lubrication for reduced friction and a longer life.
The greaseable socket allows lubricants to flush contaminants to reduce wear and tear. Easy installation for this ball joint makes it a definite winner. The comprehensive coverage over a range of vehicle types adds to this ball joint’s versatility. This ball joint is overall value for money and will allow the replacement process to be as seamless as possible.
