I added a 2" level and shortly after my passenger lower ball joint went bad.I replaced the level with Bilstein 5100s. I also replaced the bad ball joint myself and there was no front end noise for about 2 weeks. Now I have a creek/grind on the drivers side. Could it be the other ball joint? I did the test where you raise the tire off the ground and use a pry bar to see if there's play in the joint. It doesn't look like there is. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

Check the bushings on the control arms, the lower bushing on strut, etc...

 

I'm going to pop the tire off tomorrow. Is there a good method to check or just undo the bolt and see if the bushing is soft/loose??

 

You can also make sure everything is greased properly too if it's a creaking sound, and I'd check the sway bar end links while your at it too.

 

What needs to be greased? Sorry, I'm very new to the truck world and fixing them. I'm going to try to.do everything myself to save money. Even if I mess up it will still be cheaper than having a dealership rob me!!

 

Not necessarily!

 

You can grease ball joints, tie rod ends, pitman arm and the idler arm. If they're factory they most likely won't have grease fittings but they sell little attachment needles for grease guns that'll go through the factory boot.

 

Will greasing any of these points mask a problem I might already have?

 

If its a creaking it can fix the problem and help prevent the parts from wearing out as fast.

 

How do I tell if my sway bar end link is bad?

 

Pull it out, just one bolt, and check it. Takes like 15 minutes to pull both sides and reinstall.

 

I.decided to just replace it. I absolutely can't get the top out. I ended up cutting it off and the top bolt is still stuck.

 

Should the bushing on the upper control arm be stiff like a ball joint?

 

OK I finally got it. I had to drill out the top bolt. The upper ball joint/bushing is bad also. I bet that was my problem. I will have it all put back together in the morning. Thanks for the replies!!!

 

Are you replacing the entire upper control arm? I replaced both of mine and I thought they could not be removed... IDK I'm just confused as what was wrong with your truck and what part failed?