I wonder, if 1999 models are considered 1st generation, why are they not included in the recall?
Also does anyone know what the signs are when there is a problem with ball joints?

 

I have a 99 also and would like to know the same thing. Do the 98 and 99 D's have different ball joints than the 00-02's? Should we be concerned having 99's and not being included in the recall?

 

Same here fellas. I have a 99 2x4. I am replacing the ball joints now. A few months ago I had to replace my rack & pinion. I noticed then all my dust boots on my ball joints were gone. I then developed a squeak in one of my ball joints. I decided then to change them. I did not have any side to side movement in the joints, but when I took the steering knuckles off, the joints were gone. That scared the crap out of me.

Check the boots on there. If the boots are torn then it will not be long before the joint goes.

 

I don't know, I asked the same question. I too have already had to change the upper ball joints on my 99.

Maybe if enough people ask the NHTSA will look into it.

 

When turning to the left you will hear a nasty popping noise. Sometimes its louder then others. I got a letter over a year ago about mine for a class action suit. I went the day before Thanksgiving to the dealership and they told me they didnt know anything about a recall or a problem with them. 3 weeks later and they finally know. Glad im dealing with a 5star dealership. If I had a 99 and had all the problems yall are having, I would look into filing another class action suit. This is the second durango ive had and both had/have the same problem with the ball joints.

 

Hey, I'm up for another class action suit this thing keeps breaking on me left and right.

 

You guys can go to Dodge.com:

-At the very top click on Dodge owners
-Then click on "Recall Notices"
-Enter the last 8 digits of your V.I.N.

and it will let you now. I have a 2002 sport and it shows it is not in the recall.

You guys keep everyone updated!

 

You must have a 2WD.

 

Owned a 99D. I just returned it to the Dealer for the 3rd time.

Bad Ball Joint Symptoms: it is a squeaking sound (like metal to metal contact), then a clunking sound (like metal slapping against metal) and worn tires (4th sets with only 103 k miles).

Dealer replaced the LH lower control arm bushings and ball joint. Squeak came back after 5 miles. Took it back and insisted that they inspect ball joints. Mechanic said it was fine and that it was something that he did incorrectly when installing the bushings. He fixed the sqeak. Now 50 miles later the clunking is louder than ever. I took it back.

The service rep tried to get me to drive the vehicle until they order the part, telling me it was the isolator(rubber) above the spring that is worn. I told him this is a safety issue and i will not drive the vehicle because i fear for my life (i was not believing the isolator story).They said it was not a safety issue. I told them if it was not then they need to refund the $670 bucks that i just spent to repair something that did not need repairing.
He got the manager and i told him the same thing. After arguing with them, he came back and told me it was the upper ball joint. I told them to fix it and walked away leaving the vehicle.

I was upset because i have had all the known problems: oil sludge - Engine change. Engine light on - replaced sensors. Rear passenger windows did not work. Trick: Hold the window control button down and just bang on the door panel for about a minute - did that now they are working.

 

The sounds you described are right on the money. When my 2000 had the problem I took it back to the shop for the 5th time in a year and thats when I got rid of it for the 2001 R/T. The suit im involved in IF it should go through will pay me the loss of trade in value when I traded it in. It was a year old, had 35,000 miles on it and only had about 4,000 more owing on it. It was in excellant condition, detailed everyweek. They took about 5 grand off the trade-in value due to the problems with the front end. Imagine finding out 8 months later that the faulty parts they used were the problem. Whats so funny is, one of the 2 brothers that own the dealership lives in the same neighborhood that I do. Its all I can do not to go toilet paper his yard. I should of known when his wife got rid of hers, to start worrying about mine.