Lower ball joint question?
02-21-2004, 06:42 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Lower ball joint question?
I went to get a front end alignment friday and unfortunately they discovered all four ball joints are bad. They told me that I had to replace the whole control arm at 330 dollars a piece. I did a search here and found that they do sell aftermarket balljoints by themselves. I just don't see how to press them out. The ball joint looks like its riveted on with four rivets and it looks like a one piece unit. What am not seeing?? My manual says to take the control arm off and take it to a shop and have it pressed. I'd really rather not take the control arm and spring off if I don't have to. I've read here that if you put a jack under the control arm to hold the sping you can use a press to get the old one out and put the new one in? Looks like it would work but whats the easyist way? Also, the upper balljoints press out the bottom right? Any suggestions appriecated!
(FYI) my truck is a one ton 2wd with independant front suspension
(FYI) my truck is a one ton 2wd with independant front suspension
02-22-2004, 05:06 AM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Indiana
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I replaced mine in my 98 2wd just a couple months ago. Went to car-quest (Napa couldn't get the right ones in, I think they were for a 1/2 ton) barrow a ball joint press. Take the front wheels off, put a floor jack under the lower raise it just enough to put so pressure on it, take the nut off the upper lower it and do the bottom. I didn't take the controll arm off, did it all right on the truck. The ball joint press was actually for fords. Are you talking about the upper looking like its riveted in? The lower looks to me like its upside down, but it is pressed in from the bottom side. If you can find a ball joint press, I would person see how much it would just cost to take it somewhere to get done. It would be alot of trouble to take them off and take to a shop.
02-22-2004, 12:19 PM
#3
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The 2000 and newer 2WD have a riveted on ball joint. Grind off the rivets and the new joints come with bolts. The joints are hard to get, so you will need to decide if you want to do it now or wait. I managed to get the lowers, but am still waiting on the uppers.
MOOG p/n K7369 for the lowers. They should be available now.
MOOG p/n K7369 for the lowers. They should be available now.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sct5024
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
26
08-29-2013 08:25 AM
Hopper
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
13
07-04-2008 06:20 PM
wcbcruzer
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
22
04-30-2008 06:58 PM