pappyman

Time to change my drivers side ball joints they are worn out and eat up my tire

To my surprise I found that my lower joints are tack welded in (not replaceable) did some checking and found dodges greater wisdom that some years dodge did this making the ball joint non-replaceable so now I need to replace the lower control arm too

This really ticks me off because of the added cost $300.00 and extra work

I have a ball joint press.........will I need a spring compressor too ??? to change the control arm....I've never replaced a control arm is it a shade tree job or should I let the repair shop do it ??? I have allot of tools being a diesel mechanic for 40 years I just don't want to buy more tools for a one time job

dslpower

Grind off the spot weld, replace ball joint, re-tack weld and its done. Have done 2 2wd's this way and no problems.

pappyman

I had thought about doing that.....but I haven't read or heard of anyone doing it.....So I ordered the control arm before you posted your reply

But I'm sure the right side will be next ones to need replacing.....and I'll have this control arm to play with to see if a Moog ball joint will press into place.....then I'll just do like you and cut the weld press in a Moog and reweld it

studebaker

While changing out the chinese pos pittman arm I had just put on in June 06 with a NAPA one, I discovered that I a need to change out the lower ball joints as well. Both rubbers shot and the drivers side squeaking. What is the procedure for doing this on a 96 2wd ?

Thanks!!

pappyman

The ball joints are pressed into the control arms......its best to replace both the upper and lower ball joints at the same time.....then have your truck aligned after

Some 94-96 models have the lower ball joints tack welded in place......Dodges service update say's to replace the lower control arms with the new style that has the pressed in ball joints this is what I did on my truck because my control arm bushings where shot also

If you have the pressed in ball joints you'll need a ball joint press to replace them and a pickle fork to separate the spindle from the ball joint also buy ball joints with a grease fitting like Moog......some auto stores have loaner tools you can borrow to do the job......in my area O'Reillys auto parts loan these tools

killfast1

Where is the weld at Cause mine need it and it is a 95. I cant tell if its pressed or welded so some help would be appreciated. My lower had a snapring on the top of it but it does not look like it does anything.


Sorry not trying to hijack just this happens to be exact same issue.

Desert Diesel

BTT For a 2001.

I was told I need two new lowers. I jacked the front of my truck up and it appears as though I only need the Passenger Lower. Dodge says it's the whole arm, Napa says just the joint and it bolts in.

Any suggestions, besides "Take the stuff apart and look for yourself!"?

kawi600

Usually you drill out those types and replace with the bolt on ones. The arm shouldnt need replacing as well. Least thats the way my last pickup was. Havent done the dodge ones yet