I'm going to replace my lower ball joint, but I need to know everyone is removing the studs that hold them in the lower arm.

Help a brother out.

 

I too will be replacing my ball joints. I figure I might as well replace them all since I have to rent the press anyways. Only thing is, I like you, don't know where to start. I tried looking on the web for pictures or a step by step, but can't find one. Anyone here can throw Fox Fader and myself a bone? Mahalo

 

Iwas just about to call a my friend that I know would have the answer, but I remembered he goes to jail on the weekends. Anyway, I'm thinking that the studs are a soft metal and can be drilled out easily.

 

 

here's a link to an older post on the subject
that may have info that will help:

https://dodgeforum.com/m_639375/tm.htm

I don't know what Ram model years have which
but i do seem to remember that some ball joints are either welded on riveted in....but mine were definitely simple press in types.

 

Yeah I saw that thread, but it was no help with my studded in joints.

 

Grind/drill out the rivots and bolt in the new ones.
http://replacement.autopartswarehous...nt&dp=true

 

Yeah I saw those, just seem to be a little cheap to me and I don't know the brand name. I can get Moogs local, wholesale for $66 each.

 

I did one side today and it was a pain. It took all day, my air compressor kept screwing up andtripping a breaker, so this didn't help much in the time department.
But I had to chisle the tops off, drill a hole down through them, lube the then knock 'em down through with a bolt. Had it all put back in less than 30 minutes.

 

Yesterday I finally got around to doing the other side, lined the front end today, now I'm road ready.

Here seems to be the best way.
I was able to do all this without removing the rotor, caliper or upper ball joint.

I took unhooked the bottom of the shock and the sway bar.
Remove the knucle from the lower joint.
Using a saws-all I chopped the top of the rivets off. Chisel off any remaining pieces.
Next I drilled a hole straight down through each rivet, (this step MAY not be needed)
Next I hammered hard and many times, on the ball joint head, on the left, right and top (this helps loosen the rivets - some)
Them I took a bolt and used it as a punch to hammer out each rivet.

To do this you need a heavy hammer and a strong arm.

Troy