Oh man, I didn't mean to create confusion. I have a 2001 Quad Cab 1500 Ram, 2WD, 5.9L gasoline, auto tranny.
The ball joints in question are the lower ones and are riveted in from the factory. There are four rivets that need to be removed, then the new ball joints are BOLTED in. If you want to stay with the MOPAR ball joints, you have to buy the whole lower arm assembly for about $700!!!
Sorry for the confusion, I should have been specific!

 

I wish it had a grease nipple, it probably wouldn't have failed!
Next time I offer advice, I will be sure to clarify the year, make, model, 2 or 4 WD, pickup, sedan, surfboard, mower, wife's maiden name, etc.!!!

 

dont forget to rent a balljoint press, its usually free and you are gonna need it. or go getto fab and use a big *** socket and a c clamp

 

Now that I have thoroughly confused everyone, VWandDodge, What truck do you have? Inquiring minds want to know!!!
Then we can put this baby to bed!

 

Could have gotten that information from my engine threads; however, I have a 1997 2WD 1500 Laramie Extended Cab.

 

Doh! Didn't put 2 + 2 together on that one!
Anyway, please let us know if your lowerball joints are riveted on or not. They are on my 2001 1500 Quad Cab 2WD!
Nighty nite!

 

OK, I've been though the Rock Auto site and have a ballpark figure on tie rods, pitman arm, idle arm, upper and lower ball joints, inner/outer bearings, rotors and pads, and 1-ton wheel cylinders. It is much cheaper than the quote I got from O'Reilly Auto parts (and the O'Reilly quote didn't count ball joints). It appears that Dodge's don't use a drag link, but have a center link that is reusable? The Field Service Manual does not show a diagram of the suspension. Can anyone scan a copy of the suspension from his Haynes with the nomenclature for all of the parts? I am planning to order everything Thursday.

 

If you're doing ball joints, do the axle joints too. You've already got it apart, might as well replace them.

 

Axle joints? Elaborate.

 

VW
I'm assuming your '97 front-end is the same as my '01 front-end. I will try to post pics tomorrowunless someone else does so first. I am unable to do it today.
I am also unclear about the axle joints-maybe only the 4 x 4 have them?