I have an 2002 Quad Cab Dak. with a 4.7. I'm considering replacing the ball joints, as i have to replace my rack and pinion system, my questions is has anyone replaced these? is it a bear to get the old rivits out. I have heard that some models the rivits dont come out. Replacing the control arm is $$$.

 

Hi Kwasiak,

Welcome to the forums.

2 or 4 wheel drive? Uppers or lowers? It all makes a difference in how easy it is. What's up with the rack?

 

Rack is leaking fluid, truck is 4 wheel drive. I was going to replace everything, uppers and lowers, tie rod ends ends, Truck has 160,000 on all original parts.

 

160k, you did good.

The upper ball joints are riveted in. It's not very difficult to drill them out, just use a center punch and start small. Once they're out, the new ones bolt in place.

The lowers are pressed. You will need to rent (buy) a ball joint press. Heads up, OEM, at least on mine, the dealer deformed the head of the ball joint, putting a lip on it, to hold it in place. There is no snap ring. You'll have to peen the lip back or grind it off, then you can press out the ball joints. Your new ones should have a clip.

Are you doing the rack?

 

Thanks for the info, I was just wondering because I had heard horror stories about GM trucks that also have riveted ball joints, those are suppose to be a bear to get out. I was planning on doing the rack myself, that doesn't seem too difficult. I may have just jinxed myself! After a 160K, I think the truck deserves some loving.

 

Check out U-tube, lots of video clips for referance.

 

I would try this get an estimate regarding doing just the ball joints top and bottom then ask what doing just the bottom ball joints would cost.

I say this because the top are very easy to replace but the bottom can and usually are a Bear to replace also ask what discount you could get if they do your alignment because you will need one after this.

The Rack is not all that hard from my understanding

So do the rack and the top ball joints but get a shop to do the bottom ball joints and the alignment.

One other suggestion would be getting your top control arm bushings replaced at this time I removed my top control arms and had a machine shop replace the bushings at only $35 for both arms not bad not including the price of the bushings I had my own replacements with me.

 

A how to for the top ball joint changeout LINK

Says for a Durango but its the same parts and everything

The rivets can also be drilled out and removed the second way LINK

 

Thanks for the Info guys, I'll let you know what i do and how it turns out. thanks again.

 

You should check with the Dodge dealer to see if there is a recall on your upper ball joints. My uppers were replaced free by the dealer with 125K miles on the odo.