Ball joint replacement - Dorman are "superior design"?

[tRidiot]

"DORMAN B6541RD Premium RD
Front Lower; Metal Bearing; Superior Design" $29.79

"DORMAN BJ90276RD Premium RD
Front Upper" $25.79

These are the only two options on RockAuto on the "Heavy Duty" section.

"Premium" has Dorman and Mevotech options. <edit> I'd probably feel better about Mevotech than Dorman, but I've heard some poor reviews on Mevo, as well. Not ball joints specifically...</edit>

Any thoughts? I wanted to do the pitman arm and idler arm and idler bracket, but the more videos I watch of those, the more hesitant I am to replace those on my own - without a lift or impact tools, air ratchet, etc. Maybe later when I can afford those and my compressor has a new motor, current one is pretty sketchy.

I did a Moog driver's side tie rod (inner & outer) a few months back, and the passenger needs replaced now, so I'll do that one - as well as 3 of 4 ball joints which are leaking.

 

[strutaeng]

You don't have GM Genuine replacement parts option? Those are usually my preference. I think for my trucks the GM Genuine have been more like $75 each IIRC?

AC Delco/Delphi would be my second choice. And have used Moog and AAP house brand, in cases where I need to get something finished on a Sunday afternoon because truck is needed Monday to drop kids off school...

 

[tRidiot]

No, no GM GEnuine replacement, and AC Delco or Delphi are available under the Daily Driver category - nothing under Premium or Heavy Duty - I guess the question is, are the "Premium" and "Heavy Duty" options actually legit? Is it better to get the "Daily Driver" AC Delco Gold over something simply 'labeled' as Heavy Duty? I don't know... I really have no clue.

I have started towing with my truck in the last year or two, something I never did in the previous 10 years. I'd like to kind of beef things up a bit but am I better off just getting plain OE-type than trying to put on heavier, more durable stuff? Is the aftermarket stuff that is labeled as heavy duty REALLY better or no? If it's a wash, the AC Delco is 2-3x the price - and budget is really (and I mean really, REALLY) tight for my family right now for me, and this truck... I'd hope to replace in a year or two, though it may not be likely.

<edit> And the same goes for tie rod, I need inner and outer - did Moog last time, but is the AC Delco really significantly superior? No rock crawling or offroading in my future, just some towing a trailer with wood or smokers on it.

 

[tRidiot]

I just went ahead an ordered all AC Delco stuff. Hurts, but... I guess since I'm planning (hoping?) on putting it all in myself, I'm saving a boatload in labor costs. <sigh>

 

[B-train]

Good choice. The cheaper AC Delco stuff is garbage in my experience (silver line I think). The gold or OE is what you want. Dorman makes a good selection of stuff, but it's VERY hit or miss on the quality. I only use it in a pinch. GM OE all way way when possible.

 

[noodlesandsam2]

Justify the parts - It's cheaper than a flatbed ride home