How to replace the Front lower ball joint?

Tiny
GRHINEHART18
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 GMC SIERRA
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
I'm going to replace both my front lower ball joints. Could you send me schematics on how to change those out? Any tips or special tools I might need? And do you have any recommendations for good brands of ball joints to buy? My truck is a Z71 off-road package GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 and it's a 2014. I went on to RockAuto and there's lots of different types of ball joints and many of them talk about for stamped steel control arm, aluminum control arm etc. Does it matter which control arm ball joint I buy? If so, maybe could you include a part number with the brand you recommend so I don't buy the wrong ball joint? Thank you
Saturday, April 12th, 2025 AT 7:51 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,710 POSTS
Yes, it makes a big difference if the arm is stamped steel or aluminum, if you upload an image of the arm, I can tell you which ones you need. Also, most people get the entire arm so you can get the bushings asl well. They are not that much more cash, and it makes the job easier.

Here is the arm for $155.00 from Amazon:

https://amzn.to/4cFUcWw

Here are the ball joints for $33.00:

https://amzn.to/4cFUcWw

Here are the instructions on how to do the ball joint replacement. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
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Sunday, April 13th, 2025 AT 12:13 PM
Tiny
GRHINEHART18
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  • 11 POSTS
Okay, I'll take a picture of it tomorrow after I get off work and send it to you. Thanks for your help.
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Sunday, April 13th, 2025 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
GRHINEHART18
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Here are the pics you requested.
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Monday, April 14th, 2025 AT 4:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Nice work, yep these are cast arms not stamped steel. I like to replace the entire arm so the bushings are new as well, the truck will ride and steer like new.
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Monday, April 14th, 2025 AT 9:58 AM
Tiny
GRHINEHART18
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  • 11 POSTS
So buy cast aluminum lower control arms then, correct?
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Monday, April 14th, 2025 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,710 POSTS
That is what I would do to make sure the job is done correctly.
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Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 AT 9:14 AM

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