GS Audio

I seriously can’t believe I have to make a thread about this……but have been getting too many conflicting opinions, so might as well ask the question here as well.

I have to install all new TRE’s, ball joints, and track bar. Might also need to do the control arms, unless just doing the bushings is an easy task.

My mechanic is insisting I use MOOG parts due to their quality for aftermarket replacement. Problem here, its gonna take about $550 to get all these parts under Moog brand.

I’ve come across some other brands that are almost less than half the price (like $150-200 for all shipped). These are XRC, Mevotech, and some other brands.

Now for the “question”……

Are there REALLY any differences between these parts except for name and packaging? This is for OE replacement, not upgrades.

DannyH

I recently went through some of this too. My mechanic also insisted on MOOG due to their warranty. I was surprised to find most of my parts on Amazon at a pretty good price (who knew?).

Some shops have a policy against installing customer-supplied parts, but if you can get them on the cheap and bring them to him for installation you can have quality parts for not as much dough.

Best of luck!

mentalbreakdown00

I can personally say after 15 yrs wrenching I have seen the "cheap" brands have problems after 1 yr, guess what warranty at best is 1 yr. MOOG however is lifetime.....
On another note, I too recently needed all new tre's and all, went with the rusty's kit, it was overall cheaper than buying all new tre's!!

Jeep89JV

Upgrade to

Moog ball joints
Timken hubs and seals
Steering to Currie Y-Link or IRO OTK

Grease every other month, replace any loose or ripped boots, live happy.

If you do it cheap you get cheap results.

UserID6095

MOOG is Nascar approved so it must be the best (Sarcasm). They have a great product and a matching warranty. Nothing wrong with their stuff but the price. A knowledgeable source from this forum said TRW products are identical to MOOG but for cheaper. Maybe suggest that brand to the shop?

Check Rockauto.com. Ask him if you can bring in your own parts like mentioned above. If not maybe try another shop?

When it comes to the control arms its best to just replace them all together. Getting the bushings out is a royal PITA. The axle side bushing for the upper arms are just as hard. Most guys just burn the rubber out and then pound the sleeve out.

GS Audio

Yeah....my mechanic has no issue with me bringing my own parts.....I usually do that.

The $550 was based on pricing from Autopartsexpress.com. They were cheaper than the list prices on moog-suspension-parts.com.

How does the warranty work with moog? I've never heard someone get a new tie rod or ball joint free due to warranty. I figured these were wear & tear, so limited to a certain period for defect, then just pay to replace?

UserID6095

MOOG is lifetime. Always been no questioned asked for me. Jut take whats broke to the parts store and return home with a new one. Most places make you keep the invoice to prove you paid for it at some point.

GS Audio

So you've used the warranty?

mentalbreakdown00

I think I've warrantied one or two in 15 yrs, and both had 150K miles on 'em. I do not warranty my work when you bring your part, I warranty my work to not fall apart. Now on the other hand when ou come completely through the shop I will warranty labor for 12 months/ 12K which is pretty standard. The PART would have a lifetime warranty.

GS Audio

So almost a month has passed and I still haven't placed this order......

Think I am going to do so today and go with all Moog parts.

Only 2 items I am altering is the steering damper (going with Trailmaster SSV) and the HD solid ZJ bar (P/N DS1312).

All looks to be around $526 shipped.

Just curious on one item......

Found a set of Spicer BJ's for $120 shipped (both sides, upper and lower) vs. the Moog ones for $170. Stick with Moog or go with Spicer?

GS Audio

Ok.....FINALLY bit the bullet and ordered all the parts.....all Moog, plus a Rancho steering damper. $505 shipped. So I will have a whole new front end once this is completed.