So will ball joints on any Ford product. Any movement of them will sound exactly like you are describing.

I never had to do ball joints on either of my fox bodies so I can't speak from experience there. I've never owned a Ford truck, just my little s10 lowrider. I was actually looking for a Ranger, but I digress.

I've had 4 Subarus and the rear suspension is comprised of 2 lateral links and a trailing arm per side. Each side has 6 bushings from the factory (not including the subframe/differential bushings which is another story for another day). Once you go aftermarket, you're looking at 12 per side. There is absolutely a difference between the sound of those bushings and ball joints, at least on my car, as I just did my ball joints the other day.

:shrug:

Check the track bar bushings first

^ Bring it in for a look.

At 15 years old just replace all the ball joints and install bushing eccentrics so it can be fully aligned afterwards.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....AC_SL1500_.jpg

just spray them down with WD40!!!

Now that you and your wife have had your chuckle, I'll explain why it makes sense to me. If it still doesn't make sense to you, I'd love to hear the reasoning to put in my knowledge bank.
So here goes... When the ball joints begin to fail, there is much more vibration. That vibration and movement will be most noticeable at the outer tie rod ends, which are already adept at wearing in close proximity to the lower ball joints. The other factor here is that he's going to need an alignment anyhow, so why not replace the other part that will wear about as quickly right now and get one alignment done? If he doesn't, and they wear out in a few months, he's out another $100+ alignment fee. He did mention the symptom being the wheel jumping around, so it's very possible he has some rod damage already. He also mentioned not really wanting to do this again any time soon. It just seems for the extra $100, it'd be a wise time to do it.

Edit: Also, interesting on the uppers. I can't recall ever having an upper fail under 200,000 miles.

If it isn't broke, don't fix it.

I would think the vibration and movement would be felt worse by the upper ball joint that's right in line with the lower... and why wouldn't you replace the inner tire rods then? They would be getting the same treatment travelling from the outers.

I'm pretty sure you are talking about a different suspension. Unless it's a heritage.

ROFLROFLROFLThis made even my dog laugh.

He must have had a Goodyear alignment on a GM truck back in the day..upper lower, inner outer and idler arm and shocks.:D:D:D

You forgot the pitman arm that's always bad on those gm products

I giggled when he said ball joints.