HOW TO: Upper ball joints 04 Dakota CC 4wd
#12
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.
#13
#16
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.
#17
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.
#19
#20
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.