Should I replace balljoints?

[ReconDaddy]

I am new to the site and green to turning wrenches. I bought a 72 K10 LWB last Thanksgiving and have slowly been replacing little things here and there working up my confidence to tackle bigger projects. Today I decided to replace the inner axle seals, replace U-joints on drive shafts, and replace/repack wheel bearings and seals. With the amount of grit and grim inside the drive shaft housing and amount surface rust on the outside I thought I would replace the ball joints while everything was torn down to this point. I do know this truck was only used during hunting season and sat the rest of the year for the last 5 years, same owner since 1977. I can't see any signs of the balljoints being bad and am wondering if its would be a waste of time replacing them? If it's not a waste of time I have more questions, if it is I should have it back together tomorrow. Thank you in advance for any advice.

[Sammy]

Glad you don't see signs of a bad ball joint. If you did they would be extremely bad. Jack one tire a few inches off the ground and check them by the amount of play by rocking the tire looking and feeling for play. Do that to both sides. No excessive play just grease them. While in that area check the tie rods/ links for play. Play can indicate excessive wear. Lube everything that has zerk fittings. "K" series trucks are known to crack around the mount holes on the frame where the power steering gear box mounts..So inspect the area for cracks...I wouldn't simply replace things.

[ReconDaddy]

Thank you Sammy, balljoints and tie rods seem to be good with no play. Hopefully I will have time to take axles in to get new u-joints today. They look different than other u-joins I have seen before so thought I would take them to the experts. The caps are rounded to the outside instead of flat.