How to replace the Front lower ball joint?

2014 GMC SIERRA
220,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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GRHINEHART18
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I'm going to replace both my front lower ball joints. Could you send me schematics on how to change those out? Any tips or special tools I might need? And do you have any recommendations for good brands of ball joints to buy? My truck is a Z71 off-road package GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 and it's a 2014. I went on to RockAuto and there's lots of different types of ball joints and many of them talk about for stamped steel control arm, aluminum control arm etc. Does it matter which control arm ball joint I buy? If so, maybe could you include a part number with the brand you recommend so I don't buy the wrong ball joint? Thank you
Apr 12, 2025 at 7:51 PM
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STRAILER
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Yes, it makes a big difference if the arm is stamped steel or aluminum, if you upload an image of the arm, I can tell you which ones you need. Also, most people get the entire arm so you can get the bushings asl well. They are not that much more cash, and it makes the job easier.

Here is the arm for $155.00 from Amazon:

https://amzn.to/4cFUcWw

Here are the ball joints for $33.00:

https://amzn.to/4cFUcWw

Here are the instructions on how to do the ball joint replacement. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
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Apr 13, 2025 at 12:13 PM
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GRHINEHART18
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Okay, I'll take a picture of it tomorrow after I get off work and send it to you. Thanks for your help.
Apr 13, 2025 at 8:16 PM
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GRHINEHART18
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Here are the pics you requested.
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Apr 14, 2025 at 4:32 AM
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STRAILER
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Nice work, yep these are cast arms not stamped steel. I like to replace the entire arm so the bushings are new as well, the truck will ride and steer like new.
Apr 14, 2025 at 9:58 AM
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GRHINEHART18
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So buy cast aluminum lower control arms then, correct?
Apr 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM
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STRAILER
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That is what I would do to make sure the job is done correctly.
Apr 15, 2025 at 9:14 AM