Acceptable ball joint play?

While removing the hubs to take in for new bearings, i finally had a look at my ball joints/control arms... i realize they should be able to spin freely, but im wondering how much play is considered ok when talking about ball joints. i will replace my drivers side control arm as the ball joint boot is torn, but the passenger side isnt torn just older looking, and has cracks in the boot, again not torn. im wondering about up and down play vs side to side. any idea whats ok and whats not?

I'm quite confident in saying none at all. If you put a pinch bar in between the control arm and frame or somewhere and you get any noticeable movement they need replacement. That affects your alignment and you'll scrub out your tires in no time if it's off.

Your best bet for this car is the entire control arm,.. it's only a few bucks more than just the balljoint and you get new bushings with it and it's way easier to install.

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Includes Ball Joint and Bushings; Front Left Lower

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Includes Ball Joint and Bushings; Front Right Lower

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