My front right ball joint on my dakota went bad again. Blew right up and splattered all over the shock and suspension. Its starting to make this loud clunking noise now. Do you think its about ready to seperate? also its no longer rivited in, its bolted in.Is that bad? At least it'll be that much easier to replace. Also, which is the best one to buy to replace it?

 

Jack the truck up and try to rock teh wheel by hand while watchign the ball joint. If its moving its definately bad. If you are hearing noises, my guess its bad.

Most replacement ball joints are bolted in.

As for brand, MOOG always has done me good.

 

Agree with MOOG. They have a very good reputation. Also bolting in replacement ball joints are very common and as you say, make for a much easier replcement. Definitely check for looseness as described by unloading the tire and rocking and replace the ball joint if bad. I do think it is odd that you blew it so quickly. Any clues as to why. Poor shocks, loose mount bolts, etc?

 

dunno why so quick? I did almost get it airborn though on a dip in the road. Will that do it? oh ya know i did hear the shocks are going bad now that you mention it.

 

Well that deffintly doesnt help it any lol. Ewh heres a perfectly good chance to get rid of them stock shocks and put on a nice set of ranchos AYE!!

 

Bad shocks rattling can sound just like a bad ball joint. Could just be it needs new shocks, gotta check it all out, though.

 

turns out it was the upper and lower bj on the right side, and the shocks and the idler arm. after having all of that replaced and the damn noise is still there!!!!

they said they could't find anything wrong with the left side, i say they didn't look hard enough. bastards...

 

ouch man i feel yoour pain, it will get better.