The service manual says replace the whole control arm. Auto part stores sells only ball joints. Is it a good idea to change only the ball joints if nothing is wrong with the control arm or should the entire unit be replaced? Planning on replacing the bushings either way.

 

just service the arm. put new ball joints in and new bushings. unless you've bent the arm you dont really need to replace it... now granted an upper arm is like 40 bucks and a lower is like 80 on rockauto if i remember right so its not to terribly much for new parts

 

Are they original upper ball joints? If original they will be rivetted on, if they've been replaced they are bolted on. Take a look and see, may be worth saving some work and just replacing the joints instead of the whole arm.

 

If rivetted on, gonna need a drill, hammer, and some punches to get them out. I replaced mine a couple weeks ago and it took me about 1.5 hrs per side to replace them along with new rotors / pads at the same time.

 

You can get ball joints really cheap, try Napa,or even AutoZ and buy the ones you can lube. If factory ones still there good idea to get a grinder or air hammer to lose the locks on the rear of lower unit and rivets out. . . .

 

Just do the bushings, here is a link to Energy Suspension parts just click on the year of your D and get what you need.http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...ge+4WD+Durango


Lets hope that link works...

have fun...