So I have an 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. Like every other dodge on the planet my truck is in need of some ball joints. It only needs the drivers side upper but I'm gonna replace all 4 with moog joints so I dont have to go through this again. I checked my Haynes manual and it says you need a "special press". I then checked the 01 service manual on the forum and it seems like the press used is just like any other ball joint press out there. Is there any difference between the 01 and 99? I was gonna buy the $70 4wd Press from harbor freight (this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/four-wh...-kit-4065.html) but does anyone know if I will need the 14 piece adapter set too? As it looks, this doesnt seem like a very hard job. Am I right? Any advice is greatly appretiated, thanks in advance

 

You should be fine with that Harbor set. Keep in mind though, that you can rent or use that set for free from most parts stores.

 

Yeah I know you can get a loaner tool, but I would rather own the press. It seems like once I successfully get something done on my truck, all my buddies with the same issue want me to help them fix theirs..lol. So it just helps to buy the tool. Is it a very hard job to do ?

 

One thing I know, is that those cheaper sets don't have an offset cup for installing. If you look, you'll see what I mean.

But anyway, the hardest part may be removing the axle nut, and the hub bearing.

 

to chime in about tools. If the cost of paying someone to do the job is the same or more than me being able to do it AND needing to buy the tool. I will always go for getting the tool and doing it myself.

Unless it is a camshaft. i did that once on a SBC in my younger days and it was a disaster. Last time I ever buy a used camshaft from ebay!!! (That was probably my problem there, but i got PTCID from it Post-Traumatic Camshaft Install Disorder)

 

HF didn't have that set when I picked mine up. I had gotten the 3-1 master set.

Worked fine for getting out the upper BJs. Lower ones were stubborn. End result was a bent clamp.



Mine were seated pretty darn good or the clamp is just a POS. Good luck and here is my thread for any helpful reference.

 

think my 2 foot breaker bar can handle the axle nut lol

 

Maybe not.

 

If you took time to search, you'd see that MOOG aren't as great as they once were, Harbor Freight sells garbage, and there is a plethora of threads that detail replacing the ball joints (especially the DIY section).

 

I know harbor freight sells junk but some of the stuff is ok, if you bought some tools from there youd know that some arent that bad....and as far as the DIY section I only found posts on 2wd ball joint replacement, I dont know if its any different but I didnt see 4wd ball joint replacement