I have a 2004 Dakota SXT. The left front upper ball joint needs replacement. I have been unable to locate a replacement part ball joint that matches. Mine has a 3 bolt pattern and any replacement from an auto parts supplier has a 4 bolt pattern. Dodge sells the entire assembly, which I guess includes the control arms, ($480.00). In my Haynes manual it says that the ball joint cannot be replaced separately. Does anyone have any info on this? Can I use the ball joint with the 4 hole and leave a hole without a bolt?

 

You should post in the 2nd gen Dakota section. I will move it there.

 

have you checked napa, what drive train do you have? yes you can replace the ball joint without replacing the control arm. this subject has been covered many time recently. try searching for this topic first.

 

Not to be a dick, but did you bother to actually read the OP's actual post?
He said, "I have been unable to locate a replacement part ball joint that matches. Mine has a 3 bolt pattern and any replacement from an auto parts supplier has a 4 bolt pattern."
That means he kind of has a clue what is going on.

To the OP (dhub1220), on the NAPA website, it shows a 3-bolt ball joint. http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...ont+Suspension

Actually, all I see is 3-bolt.

 

im not being a schmuck either so no need to call me out on that, but dhub1220 must be going to some idiot supply house. my advice to him is go to a napa for their chassis brand (beleive they are eaton brand) or advanced auto to get some moog ball joints.

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...ont+Suspension

4 bolt hole lower ball joints on 2wd models, 4wd are pressed in and retained with a snap ring.

according to napa, the upper ball joints are the same on both 2wd and 4wd models.. here's the part number for that. ncp2601557

when you get them, grind or drill the rivit heads off once you get the knuckle assembly disconnected from the upp control arm. and bolt the new one on, those bolts i torqed down to 40 ft lbs. next attach the knuckle to the ball joint and torque that nut to 60 ft lbs. i did bot uppers and lowers on both sides of my 01. no need to replace the control arm.