Jeep Repair: ball joint, cherokee sport, ball joints

Question
I took my 2000 Cherokee Sport into the dealer to have the stearing damper replaced at the dealers reccomendation.  Shortly after dropping it off I recieved a call from the same dealer telling me that there was some play in the front left ball joint.  They told me I should have that replaced as well.  There is no shake or pull in the front end at all when I drive it, but the dealer insisted it should be replaced or else I would not pass inspection this coming July.  Is this a part that should need replacing at 60k?  Do you think the dealer is trying to take me to the cleaners?  I told them to hold off until I could get some other opinions.  But am In danger driving a jeep with a ball joint that has "some play in it"?

Answer
Since I don't have the luxury of actually inspecting the ball joint in question, I will have to take the dealers word for it but in my experience, ball joints if properly maintained, last longer than 60,000 miles but you never know.  Some parts are just destined to fail sooner than others.