This thread is more of a information and understanding questions at this time. I have done my own ball joints on a 1999 Ram but trying to help a neighbor out to save cash. I was doing a brake job for him and it's very clear at least right now both upper ball joints are bad. I'm sure lowers are just as bad but haven't crawled underneath to see. It seems this year of Dakota You Tube videos aren't out the on doing ball joints. The upper are the screw type but not sure of lowers since Dodge doesn't seem to stick with one type. lol. I'm not sure if his have rivets and if they do. What is the way to go about to change them? I'm not even sure if a special tool is needed to replace them? I have the ball joint tools but they are for the press in and out type. Getting the rivets out is not the issue but if they have to be replaced, then I'm in a pickle there. Any information or link links to videos or past member doing them would help. Thanks

 

Think the question was answered. Every auto parts place give me screw in upper and press in lower so I think I dodged the rivets. lol

 

Yeah, my 95 had screw in uppers and press in lowers, no rivets.

 

I actually like the rivets better... blow the heads off, knock 'em out, pull the old ball joint, stick in the new one, bolt it in place, done. Of course, it is MUCH easier with an air hammer, and a sharp chisel bit.....

 

I did see a video of that and it did lot a lot easier but I have done the press in out on my 99 so I can at least handle it either way. I bought the ball joint kit for that. I just wasn't for sure on this 95 since Its my neighbor truck so I don't know a lot about it. Found doing the brake job that both side are in bad shape and needs to be replaced. Thankfully he hardly drives the truck. His work is maybe 5 minutes from his house and he works 4am to around 8 am so there isn't a lot of traffic till he drives back home in the morning. I am trying to help him get the truck to be safe to drive.