Front end popping

[hoaxci5]

I have a popping sound that is coming from the front left, so I pulled the wheel tonight to do some inspection. I don't know anything about ball joints, but I assume this is the problem..

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/12/th_VID_20111215_210052-1.jpg (http://s1178.photobucket.com/albums/x361/hoaxci5/?action=view&current=VID_20111215_210052.mp4)

Or is that normal play? I had the jeep on jack stands, and then put the jack under the lower control arm and lifted it a little to allow me to wiggle the spindle (is that whats it's called?) to make this happen

[Matt]

Time for new UCA's.... those balljoints are shot.

[Sal-XK]

Lucky!!! Now you can up grade

[hoaxci5]

Matt is it because of the play that you can tell its shot?

With the stock ball joints there is no replacing them without replacing the whole UCA? I'm already thinking JBA HD's but just want some more justification.

[Matt]

Yes. There should be absolutely no play in the joint.

Now is a good time to get the JBAs.... then the next time the joint wears its only a $30 part.

[hoaxci5]

JBA order placed.. do I need to get an alignment after installing them?

[LWM]

JBA order placed.. do I need to get an alignment after installing them?

Yes, you will have to have the wheels aligned again.

[hoaxci5]

Well they shipped them already, should be here Dec 22.. I didn't see any write ups on the install so I'll try to remember to take some pics and such. Looks pretty straight forward though.

[Matt]

Yeah its pretty easy. I recommend taking the fender liner out to make it really easy to get to the bolts. So if you don't have them, you'll just need the rivets for them (I have the part numbers in my pinch weld how-to thread)