I have a 99 4.0 XLT (manual) 4x4 with 201,100 miles. I have owned this truck since 2001. It had 25,000 miles when I bought it. I plan on keeping it another 22 years. lol. Through the years I have kept my truck maintenance up and it has served me well.

Several years ago I replaced the upper control arms, sway bar links, shocks, stabilizer bar bushings, etc. During this I, for whatever reason, probably because they were not giving any trouble, I did not change the lower's. Well, they have started giving issues.

Since this truck has 201,000 miles and I am certain that the lower control arms are going to need bushings as well as the ball joint. My question would be, since I will have to remove the lower arm to replace the bushings would it be advisable to just buy new lower arms? Im just like everyone else, I don't mind spending the money if needed but don't want to if not really needed, however, these lowers are something I don't want to do but once. Do lower arms have a service life that they would need replacing?

Also, I know its a "loaded" question but what brand ball joints give the best service and longevity?

 

Moog is the one i use. Use your OG lower control arm and replace the bushing and ball joint with quality stuff. The replacement market is full of junk so stay away from that.

 

Moog has started to turn into junk as shown in review sections. I was die-hard Moog for years but what I've seen lately has caused me to search a little more for better quality stuff (Made in USA, Fact Sheets showing the inner design, etc.)

As for the lower bushings themselves, I did the ones on my truck back in 2015, and I swore then that if I had to do the job over, I would just buy the replacement arms. It would have been easier and less time-consuming than what it took me to do the job with a ball joint press. Granted, if you have a shop press, then it would likely be much easier to do.

 

Just got done removing the bushings from my control arms. I would have just bought a new set if my control arms weren't modded for a new bump stop location. Worst job I've had to do on my truck so far.