Just out of curiousity, I am needing to replace mine (I think). I have noticed a considerable about of "clanking" lately going over speed bumps. I have gone under and had someone shake my truck pretty hard a few months ago before it started to get like this, and all I could hear is what seems to be the tie rod ends knocking a little bit. Are they common for early wear, are they difficult to replace myself, and do they have an affect on my alignment or tire wear (or just noisy)?

 

If those or ball joints are making noise, replace them. If you don't, you could loose your steering or wheel.

Must realign after fixing either.

 

how hard are the ball joints to do? I feel like I may be in the same boat? What do you think it would cost (rough guess) to have it done?

 

After further review of what I previously wrote, I am thinking the noise is actually the sway bar links.

 

All are fairly easy, if you're comfortable with installing a leveling kit you should be fine. Ball joints will take the longest, and parts will be the most expensive (have to replace the UCA). There are a couple special tools you'd need to do them all.

Shop time on all 4 BJs is going to be over 3 hours at the dealer. Plus alignment.

 

Right-o .... But if it is the sway bar links, thats relatively easy with no need for an alignment?