is there a step by step somewhere for lower balljoint replacement?

 

Grab the 2001 service manual from the FAQ section here. That will have the procedure, and also tell you what special tools you will need.

 

As long as you have a long breaker bar, then you can just rent one of the ball joint replacement kits from an auto parts store (it is basically just a c-clamp with some cups). Just take everything off, which isn't that much and isn't complicated (once again, you will need the breaker bar), and then you may want to grind a little weld off of the ball joint, if it's there, but you don't really need to. Set up the clamp and cups over the ball joint, and start cranking! It will require a lot of force, and will come off with a bang, but don't worry, it is supposed to and nothing is going to go flying.
Take the clamp off, remove ball joint fit new ball joint in, you may want to lube it up (make sure that the surface is smooth and the ball joint is going in straight), set up the clamp for install, and take your time cranking on it until it goes in.
Reinstall everything else (use the breaker bar to torque everything down, or your control arms will come loose) and you're done!

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...placement.html

this is the one i did,,,,,,,,,,, i belive your are riveted in

 

that explains a bunch thanks now a few questions........
1. do I absolutely need to take the caliper off?
2. Do I need to disconect the upper to do the ball joint?
3. what do I need to do about the coil spring??
4, just to be sure the bottom to get it out presses top to bottom right?

 

1. yes, how you getting the rotor off otherwise.
2. yes, replace both.
3. nothing
4. yes, if it's not riveted. You will see once you take the rest apart.

 

Support the truck with the jack under the lower control arm, and a jackstand under the frame.

 

Umm no! Do not support the truck under the lower control arm. Raise the vehicle and support it with jack stands and use the jack under the lower control arm to control the coil spring. Just like it says in the link provided earlier. That is a very good DIY and I don't see what the problem is following it! Other than the years differ and the OP's might be riveted.