I'm a little curious, what are the signs as to when you need to replace the ball joints?

Also should they be replaced in pairs? (upper/lower and/or driver/passenger)

 

Just jack up the front wheels and shake the tires. Notice any play and where the movement is coming from. I always like to try and replace them at the same time(upper and lower) if time/ money allows bc you already have everything apart. But at least do the uppers or lowers at the same time if you are going to do once. Uppers usually come first in my opinion.

 

I'll have to check for that, I've got a good amount of play in my steering wheel and I'm working from the outside in to eliminate the play, these will probably be my next point to check, thanks for the help!

 

A1 thread

 

Thanks Dodgeman

 

Thanks DakCC4x4 for the info and pictures. I don't have a torch or and air tools. I do have a small compressor but I don't know how to tell if it is big enough to use air tools with. I just purchased my new ball joints with the zerk fitting in them. Im getting ready to do this soon. Ill have to save this info for later.

 

Just my two cents here, but unless you've already replaced all the rubber parts, why not just replace the control arms? Two bolts and a nut and you've got the top done, plus for a little over $100 for the uppers you've got everything good to go for another 100,000 miles or so. Lower ball joints are such a pain to replace that I'm not even going to bother trying. The lower control arms are a bit more expensive, but the same applies. Rock Auto even supplies an entire kit (four tie rod ends, four control arms) with a lifetime warranty for under $500.

 

2007 dodge dakota upper ball joint can not put the nut back on with out it spin

 

Clamp the knuckle, and control arm together, or, put a lot of pressure on the control arm, pressing the joint into the knuckle, then tighten the nut.

 

Because it seems like you might have $$$ to throw away, i sure don't. Why spend$500 when you can do the same thing for $200? (And that's using the "best" grade of parts) .I don't see a need to replace good control arms.