Noticed yesturday i've got about 1/2" of play top to bottom if i rock the passanger side wheel. my buddy who's been working on rigs the past few months told me it was the ball joints and he could throw them in down at his shop for $150 because i would need a press to do them. i didn't think they were a press item?? also i am thinking that it might be the wheel bearing instead, not the ball joints. How would i distinguish between the two?

How much should a single set (pass side) of the joints cost? Installed?
How much should a wheel bearing cost? Installed? (i've seen the generics for under $100, any good?)

Probably wheel bearing, did my right side @ 95K, @106k left side still hanging in there. Its a 3-4 beer job. I had the option of two from parts store $125 no name, $245 Timkin, or steeler for IIRC $485. Put the timkin in. The other side will follow soon I guess. Check DIY section, lots of information and pictures. Can't tell you about the ball joints. Good luck

Its a 3-4 beer job.

:lol:

IMO get the Timken wheel bearing. Thats what I got. It comes with a 150K mile warranty or you can pay $18 more for the lifetime warranty! Mine were $229 from the duramaxstore.com.

Jeremy

you could shake the tire at the 12-6 postion and watch the brake rotor if it moves and the steering knuckle does not move with it its the bearing if you feel play and the kn uckle and rotor move same amount as you its ball joints you have to figure out top or bottom.in some instances you can push the top of the tire in and out only to see if theres play or push the bottom in and out only to see if theres play.make sure you support it at the control arm so the load is off it.there is another way to check th elower but i cant put it into words that someone could understand sorry.while its supported on jack at lower control arm take a pry bar under the tire and pry upwards and watch ball joint for movement lower.

Looks like its the bearing for sure, checked it out myself today... think my buddy just wanted the work :rolleyes:

Can these things be tightened by removing the gold cap or do they have to be replaced?

The bearing are sealed and can not be tighten.
They just need to repalce them if they are bad.
It is not hard to change them.
Just take your time and you will be fine.
The hardest bolts to take off were brake caliper bracket bolts.
Other then that it is easy.
Good luck

Yeah... i've done a few 1500's but not my 3500 yet. Was hoping i could get away without replacing anything... oh well :o:

It is the same as 1500 pick up : just moving the rotor it is the same way as 1500.