So, since I got my truck four months ago, practically the whole damn lower end has had to be rebuilt.

Already did sway bar links. Already did brakes and rotors, which subsequently exposed a bad bearing, the replacement of which has now exposed bad ball joints.

So I'm doing upper full control arms (with ball joints and bushings), and lower ball joints only, per the recommendation of my friend/mechanic. I don't want to have to do this again for the life of my truck (at most 40,000 miles).

How can I help ensure that doesn't happen?

Watch the potholes will help. Don't off road hard. don't hit curbs. Parts will wear out after time. Keep everything lubed up if they have zerk fittings.

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2003 Ford Ranger 4 Door 4x4 FX4 4.0L
2015 Ford Focus

Buy only ball joints with grease fittings, and keep them greased. If the original ones had grease fittings they would still be good even though the boots on the original joints were biodegradable.

Drive on roads, use lots of grease... got it . Thanks for the help.

Moog ball joints our a popular choice if you want a serviceable one. I believe an L-shaped Zerk fitting properly placed on the joint will allow for the easiest path to greasing them. If they are pointing straight down it is more of a pain to get the grease gun hooked up to them.

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2003 Ford Ranger Edge ext. cab 3.0 V6, M50D, Rwd, 4.10 open, Tow pkg. Sonic Blue,Fab-tech 3" spindles AAL +3" blocks out back. Buggman LEDS, 15x7 Pro-comp 52's, rolls on 32x11.50xR15 Cooper Discoverer STT, tonneau cover, Mini mask, Pintle hook, AEM- Dry-flow airfilter, Flashpaq 1865, Flowmaster 40, 10% tint, Kenwood deck and speakers, cheap seatcovers, Alpine S-10" MRP-M 350 MRP-F 300