One problem related to ball joint has been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Lower right ball joint on vehicle failed causing truck to lose control side swipe a parked car and travel another 70 feet knocking over a stop sign. Drivers side seat belt did not hold me in seat causing me to go forward hitting head on steering wheel. I cracked a molar tooth and both knees were injured hitting the trim piece under instrument cluster.