Moog vs. Spicer ball joints

[Justin]

Any functional differences other than cost? The Moogs run $47 for uppers and $42 for lowers at O'Reilly, Bronco Hut carries the Spicers for $42 for a pair (one each of upper and lower). I'm steering away from generic China made junk, but have always thought Spicer made good parts in general so I'm not sure if this is a way to save a little without going to something that is lower quality. Also, the 78-79 ball joints are the same as the earlier D44 ones, correct? Any advice appreciated.

[crawlercreations]

I like the spicer joints personally. They are both good joints though. 78 and 79 ball joints are the same....I have 79 knuckles on my 72 Dana 44 without changing joints.

[Justin]

Having done a little more research it looks like the NAPA premium are made by Affinia. Guess who owns Spicer? It appears that the NAPA, Spicer and Raybestos ball joints are all the same part. They've got 2 grades and I'm guessing the Bronco Hut joints are the lower grade, given the money they're asking. Looks like NAPA has the higher end ones for a little less than Moog, may be the better way to go. I'm seeing increasing reports of problems with the Moog parts over the past year or two.

[ZOSO]

I put moog in my 79. The spicers we just got for the 74 are stamped with trw. Something else to think about

[Crazyone]

If you can hold off for a couple of weeks, I will be posting a discount for CCB members that will allow you to purchase Ingalls Engineering ball joints (a Colorado Company). These are a premium ball joint that stack up as equals to the Moog and Spicer products. They should come in quite a bit less than the Moog and Spicer with the discount.

[Jesus_man]

check rockauto.com. They had some good prices a few months ago on the moog's.

J.D.