Replacing ball joints - bad or good?

[bigandbad]

I've to replace all ball joints at all 6 arms - the front ones and the two in the rear...
Mitsubishi offers only the complete arms - but mine are, except the ball joints, in a good condition.
My plan was to replace the bushings to some of energysuspension, that I've done some times at my Galant V and it wasn't a problem.
Rockauto offers the balljoints separetly, I read somewhere here about the original MD-number, but I haven't heard from someone doing it.
Are they after replacing tight?
Or is it dangerous?
The complete arms would cost about 1,600$ - that's too much...

 

[thomcasey]

As long as you have the right tools, they are just fine. I have always just replaced the ball-joints themselves. If you pull the circlip and it falls out or can be pushed out by hand, then a control arm may be in order.

 

[bigandbad]

Thank you, Tom...
I have the right tools in my garage.
I found two different types of ball joints - some have a fluted base, some are smooth.
What would you prefer?

 

[iceman69510]

I would prefer the smooth as long as they are the proper dimension and a tight fit. More surface area for load bearing.

 

[Yohler]

For what it's worth I just did mine using Moog brand and they fit perfectly

 

[thomcasey]

I too say smooth

 

[idreamidrive]

I second the Moog fitting well. Not even that hard and you can get a "free" ball joint press from most any auto parts stores now. Advanced and car quest do 90 rentals, not that you would need it instead of the other places doing 24 hrs.

 

[misterfixit]

Quoting thomcasey:
I too say smooth



Ditto,

Once pressed out the serrated ones effectively junk the arm. There was a pair on the front of the lancer, so I had to swap arms a few times on that to get everything straight.

Rich