i have a 98 ram 1500 4x4, 318, the right lower ball joint has been replaced with a moog k8195t, we noticed it was fairly easy to press in with the ball joint press compared to the other side. there was no damage or apprent wear after removing the old ball joint. the old joints had 70,000 miles on them and were dried out but were changed out along with upper balljoints ,hubs and universal joints.
after a week i brought it to get alignment and they noticed when tires came off ground the ball joint droped out , then went back in place when the weight of the truck was back.
i need help anyone run into this problem? alignment guy says this is common on dodge4x4 and gm? how do i fix this oversized ball joint? weld?
thanks for any help

 

forgot to mention it was suggested by alignment guy to replace both upper and lower joint ont this side.

 

Its best to replace all 4 ball joints to avoid head aches and future repairs, they sell shims and Camber (adjustable) Ball joints.

 

I had to weld one of my ball joints in cause if the steering knuckle bends over time, the hole wear the ball joint sits in gets a little miss shaped and the ball joint will not press in tight. I say just 3 point weld it! It worked for me just fine

 

I had the same problem with my 98 lowers. The OEM joints had splines on them and the MOOG does not. Went to parts store next day and they pulled another set and they also had no splines. I'm thinking design flaw. I have not looked at other brands to see if they have the splines or not.

 

zman17 how did you solve the problem? did another balljoint work and what brand did you use?
thanks

 

It was not as loose as your condition, I used red Loctite and called it a day. I'd tack weld it if was that loose.

 

I would tack weld, and call it done, if you ever need to take it back out a quick hit with the grinder will solve that

 

weld it in or get the currie king pin style ball joint replacements then weld them in all the way around then if they ever wear out just rebuild them on the truck.

 

ack! Dont weld a ball joint. It immediately kills the grease, boot and or any plastic/nylon/rubber parts inside... Just take a coal chisel to the inside of the seat around the rim, Every time you make a gouge it makes in turn two raised lines. enough of those and they will press in like the housing was factory new...Basically like putting the splines on the housing rather than on the ball joint. Surprised your alignment guy didnt mention it first...