After reading this and having a problem of my own with a knock sound when going over bumps and pot holes. If the ball joint is loose can you just tighten it back up or does it need to be replaced at that point. I have jacked my truck up and there is no vertical movement in the wheel so im wondering if its time to replace.

 

the ball joint may not be bad now,
but I find it hard to believe it is holding any grease with that dust seal.

At this point it is probably just a metal ball rubbing in a metal socket,
it's only a matter of time before it will need replacing.

 

Agreed; just like my hip.

I squirted some lithium grease on them just because, but that's not a safe looking ball joint for the long run.

I appreciate the input from everyone and I am going to have it replaced.