the ball joints come off the control arm, just grind out the rivets

 

I have the info for a DIY but haven't had the time to put it out yet.

 

It is only "common knowledge" if:
1) you had an affected Dodge at the time when things got crazy
2) you paid attention to forums or "car chatter" as I like to call it - with absolutely no disrespect intended.
3) you had a ball joint problem

I have had my '02 Durango for under 3 years and this is the first time I have heard about a BJ recall. Don't know if the recall was done, but I think I did search for recalls for this vehicle and found none. I will do a detailed search when I get home from work tonight and thanks to you guys, I will be driving my Jeep to work today instead of the D. I have had some minor issues up front & don't know why ... could be ball joints! Thanks to the OP for making the thread & to all for the good information.

 

the ball joint issues were HUGE news, they covered them for about 6 months on EVERY MAJOR AND MINOR news station on TV, RADIO and the INTERNET, it was a VERY well publicized recall

 

The NHTSA website, clearly states what recalls are available for what vehicles. Each year of the Durango is listed. It takes about a 45 second search.

You owned a used vehicle for 3 years and never looked into it? Even a trip to the dealer usually results in them looking up the vehicles recall history. Sorry you were unaware and glad that you now know before someone gets hurt from a failed BJ. You have notice to get it fixed now.

IndyDurango

 

you been there indy???

 

Nope! I have seen photos of wheels that have come completely off from those that decided to never fix or never look into fixing their BJs.

The "hurt" I experienced was the $900 for BJs and TREs on my D in Oct 2008. Recalled BJs were done in 2003, so the parts all had 5 - 8 full years and many miles on them. The 5 year parts had 105k and the 8 year parts had 188k miles on them when replaced. Not dangerous bad, but ready to be replaced.

IndyD

 

you missed the double meaning on the phrase bj indy . . .

 

But since I didn't own a Dodge at the time, if I ever even heard the buzz, it went in one ear & out the other.

Indy. I'm pretty sure I checked for recalls shortly after I got it, was told there were none. I just got in from work & I'm going to check again right now. Can't hurt ...

 

02, here are the latest 6 recalls for your 2002:
http://www.automotive.com/2002/12/do...lls/index.html

Here is a fairly inclusive discussion of all of the Gen1 recalls:
http://www.durangoclub.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=32

Here is the complete list of recalls for all vehicles. Just drill down to your Durango by model year:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallsearch.cfm

SS, oh my I did! LOL!!

IndyD