Replacing Ball Joints. Do It Myself??
#1
Replacing Ball Joints. Do It Myself??
I went to a mechanic/muffler shop today, because I've been having some numerous problems. He replaced my muffler, cause it was cracked and rattling in the back. I described my turning and squealing problem, and said it was the ball joints. I told him I can fix somethings myself, but he said there was no way I could that myself. It takes a special press, and a rivet gun. I peaked my head under there, and they sure are bad. I haven't check my Chilton's book yet, but I can't imagine it being something impossible, once I buy the right tools. What do you say? Thanks.
I forgot to mention, I have a 2001 Ram 1500, 2WD.
I forgot to mention, I have a 2001 Ram 1500, 2WD.
Last edited by cosmorphis; 05-18-2009 at 01:09 PM.
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mine were not that bad but mine is a 95 and you a 01 with rivets
if you get a loan tool get it from adavance auto if you can it has all the right cups,,
here's mine but it on a 95 so, take it with a gain of salt
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...placement.html
if you get a loan tool get it from adavance auto if you can it has all the right cups,,
here's mine but it on a 95 so, take it with a gain of salt
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...placement.html
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#7
You do however, need a special press. I got one pretty cheap from Harbor Freight but it's my understanding it doesn't have the size attachment needed to use on the Rams. However, Autozone and I think Advance Auto rent the presses out. That route is probably cheaper than the Harbor Freight one. I just wanted to own the press.
It's not a impossible job at all and plenty of people do them themselves. That guy at the shop just wanted your money.
BTW you will also need a pickle fork. Not sure if they rent those or not but they are really cheap. On the Chevy I did I saved a ton of money by doing it myself. I paid a shop to do it on my truck but wish I had done them myself.
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#9
Okay, my brother has a grinder he will let me borrow. I just got the ball joints from oreilly's, and some grease (bro has a grease gun too). I still don't understand what the pickle fork is for though--to disconnect the old ball joint from the spindle? It doesn't just come off?
Thanks a bunch for the help!
Thanks a bunch for the help!
#10
[QUOTE=cosmorphis;1671861I still don't understand what the pickle fork is for though--to disconnect the old ball joint from the spindle? It doesn't just come off?
Thanks a bunch for the help![/QUOTE]
yep!!! back the ball joint nut of a little, stick in fork hit it lose, jack up lower c-arm undo nut then lower the c-arm,
Thanks a bunch for the help![/QUOTE]
yep!!! back the ball joint nut of a little, stick in fork hit it lose, jack up lower c-arm undo nut then lower the c-arm,