Ok, thanks fo the response. I have had them off for 2 days now and I do notice a slight difference in the handling, but not enough to make me nervous having them off. I did order 2 new ones (only $11 each). I noticed the new ones have a clear plastic "cover" over where the ball joints are...I guess to keep them solid. That is exactly what caused all the noise in my old ones...they had about 1/16" play in 'em.