Ball Joints
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,228
Likes: 19
From: Riverton, UT
I think you might be right. First loosen the spindle nut BEFORE you raise it. Then take out the 3 bolts that attach the bearings to the spindle on the back side (Located on the 2nd pic you provided). Next you can separate the tie rod end and turn it all the way to the right and spin the half shaft (CV joint) out of the the spindle.
As for the dog ears: These are factory installed lower ball joints. The new one will have a recessed grove on the top replacing the dog ears with a lock ring. Make sure there isn't a lock rign as well before trying to remove it. There are 2 ways of dealing with the dog ears. You can smack em straight using the tie rod separator or just push em out. There isn't that muck metal there so a straighten jobber would be the first choice I'd do then push it out. When you install the new one use anti-seize or lubricate the outside of the ball joint and control arm so to aid in installation and removal if ever needed.
If you do one then do the other side and get all the work done BEFORE the 4 wheel alignment or buy the lifetime 4 wheel alignment like I did at Firestone and get it done anytime you want.
As for the dog ears: These are factory installed lower ball joints. The new one will have a recessed grove on the top replacing the dog ears with a lock ring. Make sure there isn't a lock rign as well before trying to remove it. There are 2 ways of dealing with the dog ears. You can smack em straight using the tie rod separator or just push em out. There isn't that muck metal there so a straighten jobber would be the first choice I'd do then push it out. When you install the new one use anti-seize or lubricate the outside of the ball joint and control arm so to aid in installation and removal if ever needed.
If you do one then do the other side and get all the work done BEFORE the 4 wheel alignment or buy the lifetime 4 wheel alignment like I did at Firestone and get it done anytime you want.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Puyallup, WA
ok, thx! I have brake pads on order too. Should be a full durango fix-it day. I just hope my power slot rotors can be turned and don't need replacing. Those were some expensive puppies. But they made a HUGE difference when braking with the trailer.
