Ball Joints should they be replaced?
 

Rebuilding '78 Dana 44, and forgot to check ball joints before removing axle from truck. Now with axle out they feel tight. Any recommendations on whether they should be replaced?

Steam cleaning axle once weather warms and going for powder coating soon.

Thanks for help,
Les

Re: Ball Joints should they be replaced?
 

Just talked to my powder coated (PC) and they said, ball joints will need to be out to PC.
New Question if ball joints are ok , any issue with replacing with new ones?

Re: Ball Joints should they be replaced?
 

Another option if not powder coating, is to ceramic coating, or liquid painting.
Still need to decide to replace BJs or not.

Les

Re: Ball Joints should they be replaced?
 

Les--just do it now, as you have it apart. You're rebuilding everything else.

Re: Ball Joints should they be replaced?
 

Yeah if i have to take them out i would replace them just because im already there.

Re: Ball Joints should they be replaced?
 

ill jump on that bandwagon too. its to important of a part and to easy to do it while apart not to just get some nice high quality replacements. then when the truck is together there wont be any ghosts floating around in your head.

Re: Ball Joints should they be replaced?
 

Yes, better do it now.

Re: Ball Joints should they be replaced?
 

And on the coating i would use just normal powder coating,The ceramic coating is more for things that see a lot of heat like headers or engine parts.

Re: Ball Joints should they be replaced?
 

Thanks everybody for the help.

Les