hey guys,

I'm pretty sure the Ball joints are going bad. I had the originals replaced during the original Recall...that was like 100k miles and a few years ago...didnt have the time or the tools.....then

now i have both...but I've never done this job before.....
I'm assuming i should replace both upper and lower (will obviously do both sides). How long does the job normally take (Per side)? Do i need any special tools? I've checked out the Hanes and it doesnt look to difficult......however I've thought that before and been fooled.

any recomendations on brands or where to buy the new ones?

Any input/advice? Thanks in advance.
Bryan

1997 3.9 4x4 Dakota 161k miles.

 

With the 4x4, the uppers are easy. The lowers...not so much. You pretty much have to take the hub off. In which case you have to take off the cv axle joint off the hub and disconnect the tie rod. If you want to tackle it, go ahead. I tried it..got it dissembled in about 2 hours...and then took another 2 hours trying to take the lower ball joint out, which involves grinding the flared ring off the top of the lower control arm. Still didn't budge at all. Somehow I reassembled the entire thing in 5 minutes and limped the truck to the shop. Charged me 100 bucks for that one single ball joint.

Here's a write-up: http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/...ad.php?t=79209

 

Thanks man. Good info to have.
The truck isnt my daily driver anymore so it wouldn't be a big deal if i couldnt get it done in one day...or even the weekend.
I'm assuming I should do both upper and lower since i have it apart right? how do i even check if its upper or lower that are bad if i did just decide to replace one or the other?

Thanks again.

 

My originals on my passenger side got weakened in a small accident, and I experienced clunking on bumps and I noticed a squealing noise from the upper, especially when I steered. Since they're sealed I guess the lack of grease got to it.

Yea you might as well do both at the same time. The only reason why the hub has to be dissembled is because you won't have enough room to clear the stem of the lower ball joint, since there's a CV axle in the way. The upper ball joint is just 3 bolts, since I see you had the truck taken in for the recall (It would have been just 3 rivets that had to be ground off). However, you can do the upper ball joint anytime, since there's no dissembling required. It's recommended you get an alignment after the job, so you might as well get it done at once.

To know that they are bad...you'd hear clunking when you hit bumps. It's pretty noticeable when they are in bad shape. When I attempted it...I was able to push the stem of the lower ball joint up and down quite a bit; they are supposed to be snug. After I had the shop do it...I regretted I didn't let them do the driver side, because that side is bad, too. Clunking gets annoying every now and then =P I didn't notice anything physically wrong with my upper ball joint...it wasn't moving up and down, but when I cut open the boot, there was a bunch of crap and it was all dried out, which would explain the squealing I was experiencing.

 

Thanks again for the info.

I dont think mine are that bad yet...just feel a little "play/motion" in the steering wheel when i hit bumps while the wheel is turned ...but only when its turned..not when going straight and i can feel it mostly if the wheel is turned and i have foot on the brakes.

Need to replace my Cluch Master/slave as well so if i can save a couple bucks doing this myself id like to...especially since its not my daily driver any more.

Thanks again..i'll be sure to ask if i have any more questions.

Bryan

 

Is there a recall on the ball joints for the 1997 Daks? I don't remember seeing one? Anyone have the official link or Service Bulletin?