2007 King Ranch 4x4 SCrew, 162,000 miles

I have developed a creaking noise recently, which I assume is from the ball joints. I crawled under the truck to have a look last night and there is no boot left on the passenger side lower ball joint. While I was under there, I noticed some wear (circled in red on the picture) on the lower control arm.

What might cause this? Is it from the bad ball joint, or could it be something else?

Thanks!

 

Hyperextending the steering wheel when turning... It’s just the stopper. Normal wear. You can replace just the joint, but the whole LCA is available if your bushings are bad too.

 

Likely the worn ball joint allowing the lower end of the spindle to travel further, and rub the bump stop for the steering.

 

Like rivera mentioned, that rub is normal.
Ball joints aren't too bad to replace. Just need to get a large press with the 4x4 attachments.
Or, replace the entire arm

 

Thanks for the quick replies!

 

Just had my lower ball joint replaced yesterday! I had a shop do it this time.

 

And ?

 

Much easier to have a shop press one in. The cost was worth my time and now my alignment is good

 

If I have to do it again, I'm replacing the entire LCA

 

I did lower ball joints a couple months ago when I did my front end rebuild and 4" lift kit install. Upper control Arms I just replaced since the ball joint is built in. Lowers, I just replaced the ball joints. It was pretty easy to do. You can get the ball joint press from Autozone loan a tool. Had to leave a deposit of $100, which I got back when I returned it.​​​​​​​