i have to replace my upper and lower ball joints on my 96 ram 4x4. the top one pressed in fine but the bottom wont. i went to all the auto stores in my area and they all had the same thing. it doesnt press up far enough to get the snap ring on it. theres a little ridge on the bottom that doesnt go in the hole. my question is can i run the ball joint without having the snap ring in? would the weigh tof the truck keep it in place? i need to get it put back together tonight so i have to get an answer from somewhere soon.

 

What brand and part # do you have?

 

i got it now. i found out that after market ball joints for a dodge dont use the snap ring. the upper ball joint keeps the steering knuckle in place so the lower ball joint just gets squished in between. i took it for a pretty abusive test and it held up fine.

 

Just be aware that you can get the ones with the snap rings, even aftermarket. Look up your vehicle on rock auto.

 

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1546766

those look the same as the ones i put in. they came with the snap ring but the housing wont press far enough up to get the snap ring on. that ridge on the bottom of the housing is too large to fit in the hole, by about a 1/4 inch. i couldnt find one with a housing tall enough to see the groove for the snap ring. not to say they dont make one, just couldnt find one. next time i replace them (if i ever have to) ill do a little more research.

 

I just replaced all four of mine. No snap rings for me. Used this vendor, quad4x4.com

http://quad4x4.com/Dodge1500Dana44fr...01.html#Joints

Kit comes with so much extra goodies. Totally recommend them.