It is time to change the ball joints in my 00' Jimmy according to the tire shop. I know it has been talked some around here, I searched and only found a few comments so I figured it will help to make a new thread about it. Anyway, after reading the other threads my first question is: I know that you get what you pay for, but how bad are the OE products? since if I go with moog I'm looking at $400+ to change the ball joint, tie rod, pitman, and idler from the auto parts that is; like somebody said on a different thread ebay has an OE "kit" for $159.99 how bad are these products (any time frames? ie moog last 5 years and oe 1, etc.) it is a lot of money of difference. Second question is: should I definetly change all of those parts at the same time? would it save me any money on the long run? I am planning on keeping this truck for a while and I don't know when was the last time if any that had anything of this matter done; and third question is: this would be my first time messing with the suspension, so I should be okay correct? I'm not that bad on mechanical skills but I'm still/done the basics (ie. brakes, oil changes, fuel pump, spark plugs, starter, alternator and stuff like that).

Sorry for the long post, I just want to make sure that whatever is that I end up doing, I do it correctly. Any other things that I should look at? Thanks in advance.

 

I'm about to do some front end work on my '00 Blazer 4WD. I've been gathering some info before I start. Thought you might find this link helpful. http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic545573.htm

 

dont buy parts off ebay. I got my balljoints and tierods from napa. They aren't too bad to do you self. You will need a few specail tools like a pitman arm puller, steering link puller and a ball joint separator. I bought all those at autozone for fairly cheap. Yes, you want to do them all at the same time. You dont have to but its much easier to do all at once. I made the mistake and I regret it

 

I rebuilt my front end with Power Performance parts last year and the parts we all quality parts, though it appears the OE tie rods are of a beefier design. Not that I have had any problems but more of an FYI.

You might want to take a look at your UCA/LCA bushings and wheel bearings being as your are going to be replacing everything else.