I'm doing ball joints this weekend and I'm trying to get everything ready, got a question. My truck is a 2001 1500 4x2 with bolt on ball joints.

I've been looking through the '01 Service Manual regarding the torque requirements for the bolts and I'm not sure about the torque for the nuts/bolts that hold it to the control arm.

Here are pictures of their design:


Upper


Lower

The service manual under ball joint installation says to "install the lower ball joint nut and tighten to LD: 95ft lbs, HD: 110ft lbs." Upper is the same. My question is that the torque for the castle nut? If so what do I torque the installation bolts to?

There was a member in the Dakota section that did a 4x2 change and I asked about the torque and he posted a picture for the torque ratings on various grades and sizes of bolts. Is there a specific number for these trucks?

Sorry if this confuse's anyone.

Thanks

 

Looking thru the 01 manual, it appears that they replace the entire control arm, not just the ball joint. Use the chart for torque specs vs. bolt size. Should be one in the manual as well.

 

Ok, thanks.

 

So what ball joint nut requires torquing to 95ft lbs? Castle nut or something irrelevant?

 

That would be the castle nut, Yep. LD designate Light Duty, I think. Not sure what the difference is between LD, and HD on the half tons though.....

 

Well things happened later then planned but, I got some ball joints today, Duralast from AutoZone, Lifetime Warranty, $50 a joint and I'll tell you things things are BEEFY!!! They should handle whatever my little 2 wheel drive pickup throws at them.