Ball Joints

[RedBull99]

I recently went to Canadian tire and asked to do a Alignment on my 99 Durango 4WD . they said they could Not do cause i need to get My Ball joints fixed first. Uppers . not sure about lowers . I am driving with a Shimmy. Not bad, just worried that tire might fly off or do something bad while driving on Hwy Something like $40 for cheap ones and 98 for premium parts. I plan on doing the work myself . looking up all information before i tackle it 1/ can i do without torque wrench ? i need all the advice i can get. my first time attempting this

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[iicon3]

well i can answer half of your question. seeing that i just changed mine uppers and lowers.this also was my first time doing it. the job wasnt too bad but i also have a air compressor and air tools. you dont need a torque wrench.but you need the ball joint tools.i got mine at advance auto which really works out cause it costed me 150 bucks to borrow it but when your done you bring it back and they give your money back (your deposit).the only thing i would do differant and i recommend it to everyone whos going to do this. buy those cotterpins mine were a pain to get out .

[schusterjo]

These DYI are not complete but will walk you threw them along with having a Haynes guide or similar manuel... its all there..
http://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen-...-repair-4.html

[schusterjo]

here is the ball joint section of that thread, basically this is just one big disassemble and reinstall, you do not need to remove the control arm as i did as u will se that mentioned in the post, although you will want to remove the axle and possibly drop the lower shock bolt to give you some room. after install do not forget to grease them.
http://dodgeforum.com/forum/1793484-post35.html

[hydrashocker]

Great job schusterjo!

That write up your doing is the awesome!

[schusterjo]

Originally Posted by hydrashocker

Great job schusterjo!

That write up your doing is the awesome!

Thanks, it is almost as much work taking all the pics and making the post as doing the actual work to the truck lol. I mean every time i went to take one of those pics i had to clean my hands ext... did not want to ruin my phone. then placing all of them in order, wish i would of done that sooner before i had over 100 pics to sort threw. that took awhile to do that. Anyways i just hope it ends up helping a few people then i would be happy.

[RedBull99]

Thanks Very Much everyone .

Going to get the parts and Put aside a day and Start to get to work on it

Might As Well Do The Uppers And Lowers At Same Time .

Ill Check Tie rods And Anything else ??? For Replacing .


1, I Don"t Need a torque Wrench right ? Just Tighten Away .

2, Do i Absolutely need the Ball Joint Tool ?

I don"t have one and Hear they are $150 to Rent




Other Than A Minor Transmission Slip that i can manage And Alignment slightly Off My Durango Has been good to me

[RedBull99]

GREAT Pictures .

Helps Tremendously !

[schusterjo]

Yes you will need that ball joint tool, preferably just like the one that i showed in the pic. This kit has ALL the tools u need to press the lower out and in. Ya man i know its a pain to drop $150 to borrow the tool but u need it, at least u get it back. The ball joint guide there will walk u threw it pretty well. You also will need the pickle fork... One last thing, use mopar ball joints or as i did Moog, DO NOT buy the cheap ones or you will find yourself needing to do it again in a year. These trucks are hard on the ball joints and u need good ones in there.

[hydrashocker]

I installed the Duralast BJ's from Auto Zone like 3 years ago and have been very happy with em.