3-second answer: Jack the front, grab the tire at 12 and 6, and rock it — any movement = worn ball joints. The TTB upper joint is press-in (rent the press), the lower is bolt-in on most trucks. Torque the upper castle nut ~80-100 ft-lb (cotter pin through the castellation) and the lower nut per spec.
Check
- 12-and-6 movement = ball joints (vertical play)
- 9-and-3 movement = tie rods / steering linkage (horizontal play)
- Grease fitting condition: dry joints wear fast; the OEM-style joints are greaseable
Upper (press-in) vs lower (bolt-in)
- Upper joint: pressed into the spindle — needs a ball joint press (auto parts stores rent them) or a press.
- Lower joint: bolted to the beam on most TTB trucks — wrenches and torque, no press.
- While you're in there: check the radius arm bushings (the clunk that gets blamed on ball joints) and the spindle bearings.
Numbers
- Upper ball joint castle nut: 80-100 ft-lb
- Lower ball joint nuts: 90-110 ft-lb (check year)
- You'll need a pickle fork or separator for the taper — don't beat on the threads.
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Threads
- FTE search: ball joint · ttb