[mongocanfly]

well Steve. ..first, its more opinion than anything mixed with a little first hand experience...dad had one pop outta the socket when I was a kid (not a fun ride)..luckily no injuries...I know of several others with the same issues....granted, regular maintenance may have prevented this...dads old tractors have the same style joints on them...loose the cotter pin , the adj backs out, next thing you know youve got wheels pointing in the opposite direction...if youve ever taken one apart youll see how its put together.....i've also seen modern ball joints come apart as well though....
again..my opinion. ..I dont wantem on my truck...I also know there's lots and lots of old vehicles that had them that racked up lots of miles with no issues....
by design I don't know if there is a replacement....hence swapping the front clip...