2004 4X4 Crew Cab Z71 Siverado with worn out (torn boot) ball joints. Do I need to replace the upper A arm or can I remove just the ball joints and leaving the upper A Arm alone. Parts store sold me both upper and lower ball joints separatly but my friend says I may need to buy the A arm with the ball joint on it already. Any help would be appriciated.

 

You can replace just the ball joints, but they're pressed in so you'll need a shop to use a ball joint press to get em out. It's easier just to replace the arms IMO

 

yeah i replaced just the ball joints on my 99 and let me tell it is do able by all means but is B**ch. I have a ball joint press and a okay size air tank and I basically ended up taking the A arm off and had to beat the hell out of it to get the ball joint out. Save yourself the time and beating and buy it because they only come out with alot of motivation.

 

I'm surprized they make a replaceable bj for the upper arm. I thought as your friend; lower control arm bj is replaceable but the upper bj needs a complete a-arm.

I've seen aftermarket upper control arms for lift kits that had replaceable upper bj.

if you go the a-arm route; you will need an alignment afterwards.

 

Torn ball joint boots do not fall a safety inspection. Only if there is play in them. Both upper and lower ball joint are replaceable but you need a ball joint press. You need to get an alignment after any front end work is done including ball joint replacement.