Forged or Welded Lower Ball Joints

[neosoul]

Hey guys, I have a 1998 2dr 4x4 chevy tahoe. I'm looking to order new lower ball joints for my truck. How can I tell if I need to order forged or welded lower ball joints? What's the difference? Is one stronger or heavier duty than the other?

 

[OR VietVet]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=355760&cc=1303872&jsn=2410&jsn=2410&jsn=2410

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=355761&cc=1303872&jsn=2411&jsn=2411

These differences in sizing are very similar and will be hard to measure.

You can see the difference in the press fit diameter and can crawl in there and clean and measure or see if you can see the knurls on them as you see in the pics.

The other choice is to order both, use what you need and return what you don't need.

 

[east302]

The difference is the type of LCA and diameter as mentioned above. My 98 used the welded/stamped.










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[exp500]

East302- Sure glad you responded, I was thinking "havn't seen a welded ball joint in 40 years".

 

[Marbor]

Yes good stuff I have been looking for this kind of information. Don't really want to do the press on. were can I find new LCA for 4x4 only thing out there is for rwd? I just ordered new upper with links and shocks. I want to do all new suspension on frint this year and new in the rear next year

 

[neosoul]

Hey guys thanks for all your replies, hey Maribor you must have been reading my mind cause I was also thing about where to get the lower control arms for my 98 2dr 4x4.

 

[olliec420]

The difference is the type of LCA and diameter as mentioned above. My 98 used the welded/stamped.

View attachment 341558


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According to that photo, my 98 4dr 4x4 is also stamped/welded. Thanks for this, I woulda ordered the wrong ball joint!