🔧 MOOG K80149 Ball Joint: Premium Performance and Durability for Optimal Suspension Review

I've never used Moog's new ball joint so can't comment on durability. Still, this is a Moog product that should speak for itself. It will look "wrong" when you install it. However, this is not the case. They simply removed the large rubber boot that occupied the space between the ball and the ankle.

Fits my 2004 Ford F150 4x4. Great quality at an amazing price. The mirror fitting is a good addition to ensure good lubrication. Removal and installation wasn't too difficult using my cordless impact wrench and the ball joint removal kit I borrowed from Advance Auto Parts. An impact wrench is a must as it wouldn't be fun with a regular wrench or ratchet. Highly recommended.

This Moog K80149 Ball Joint is a higher quality than the OE replacement for the 2006 F-150 4x4 Front Lower. I'm not sure about the smaller dust cover, but it does cover an important part. Using an OTC ball joint press, the R&R time is less than 5 minutes after removing the steering knuckle. You can leave the driveshaft attached to the differential - just pull it out of the IWE and hang the knuckle on the upper arm.

I have NEVER had ball joints on a car less than 3 years old until they died after 8 months. Totally worn out. I checked the lube and added every 3000 miles as needed. The car had no bumps, no curbs, no falls, so I can't find any excuse for a failure. I tried calling Moog but they were bought out and after various "press 3 for Moog suspension questions" and waits I gave up. Because the alignment alone is more expensive than these details.

Moog is a good brand in the vehicle suspension world. They're more expensive than most, but the quality is excellent. Bought them here instead of the auto parts store because the auto parts store wanted to double the price. You will need either a press or a ball joint puller and fitting kit. These ball joints come with grease fittings for later re-lubrication, which is a plus. Please note that these ball joints look slightly smaller than the originals, but this is due to Moog's improved design.

The truck was wheel alignment. Supposed to replace the lower ball joints. $250 per side. They said the top was fine. I went ahead and ordered upper arms in addition to those lower ball joints as I didn't want to get caught with a disassembled truck, only to find out the upper ones were bad too. The top was bad too. I spent about $200 on parts and changed it myself. At least $800 saved. I borrowed a free press tool from Advance Auto which worked quickly and easily. These parts fit together…

This is an updated design from Moog - dust covers are an integral part (see website - moogparts.com). To be on the safe side, compare your ball joint to a new one BEFORE installing it (always a good idea before installing a new part). The new trunnion has a shorter overall length due to the ball screw design (no hex flats to hold; a slotted design is used here). Also included in this part (as shown) is a slotted nut and cotter pin - another difference from the OEM, which uses a nylock nut…

I would use OEM Motorcraft ball joints. I installed one of them and found after installation that it doesn't need to be lubricated. I tried everything but apparently the inside wasn't handled properly. After a few months it started squeaking like crazy and so far I haven't been able to lubricate it. Eventually I filed a warranty claim, which meant buying another joint, swapping it out, and then sending the old one back for a refund. The new joint I received wasn't made properly for the oiler…