Well its about that time I'm looking at new ball joints and the dealer is talking 1300 - 1500 big ones. 53,000 miles.
I have done them before on other trucks and if Dodge will not cover it under the 7/70 warrenty (They told be that that may pay part of the repair) I'm going to get them and a good ball joint tool if needed to do it with.
I have the cheep balljoint tool from harbour freight tools but was told you need the longer one, and on the Dodge the joints are in the axle not the outer so I would like to get a good one if mine does not work and found a few on line for 300+$ but would like to get one local or from a tool truck with a warrenty on it.
Anyone know a place to get one with the Dodge fittings and best place to find the ball joints? I looked at Quad4x4 and his ball joints are the Dodge ones and a good price but he wants 400 for his tool. Is it really needed or can I get the same cheeped?
Napa has ball joints for 95$ each Quad if 220/4 but none greasable...
Jon

 

Get the joints from napa or moog. They are probably superior to the quad "guess which kind they are" joints.

 

OK cool but what type of press or tool is needed?
Do you really need the one that he sells.
Jon

 

OK
I found something and thought I would let you know so that if anyone is doing them then they can save money over some of the other " kits " people are selling.
http://otctools.com/index.php

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/OTC-8031.html

http://otctools.com/newcatalog/products/517921.pdf

255$ with free shipping vs 400 plus shipping on other kits and it looks to be the same other then you get a lot more for less price.
Plus I'm getting the ball joints name brand and lifetime warrenty local.
Same thing a lot of shops around here use.
Jon

 

Mrgadget, that kit should do it! I wish we could have used a puller like that when we rebuilt my bro's dakota.

We rebuilt my bro's dakota front end back in February. Used a buddy's hydraulic press for the bushings. PITA, but we got it done. The ball joints were riveted. We were both tired & sore from drilling the rivets out for over 1.5hr. Glad I had the 1/2" Milwaukee!

If you have any tips or tricks, please share them!

Tony

on edit: We used Moog for the ball joints and rod ends and Energy Suspension Urethane forthe bushings, if that helps you.

 

can the upper ball joints be replaced without removing anything with the tool?

 

No you need to pull it all down and need a tool.
I plan on doing a write up when done but it will be a week to get the tool and a few before I do it getting new tires soon anyway so ai don't care about the tire getting cuped.
Jon

 

You can get the ball joint tool cheap at Harbor Freight. You don't want to pay a lot of money for something you only use once.