I know the tie rod ends are worn on my truck and warrant replacement. The pivots for the drag-link are most likely worn as well after 124K miles. I am debating on replacing everything between the front wheels, including the pitman arm. The one item I am undecided on are the ball joints. I know that if I replace everything that the truck will need an alignment. My dilemma is whether I replace everything and get it aligned, or take all of the parts to a shop and let them do it.

Most of you know that working on my truck doesn't scare me; however, I am looking at how long it will take to accomplish the task.

Any and all advice/opinions are welcome.

 

all that stuff is easy if you have a pickle. do them one at a time and count how many times you turn it to get it off and spin the new one on the same, you will be suprised how easy this is and that you can get everything real close to where it was. you will get raped if you take it in

 

ps, it took me 3hrs to do everything between the wheels, but i have a car hoist

 

You will need an air chisel to replace ball joints, they are riveted in!

 

Did not know that. Thanks!

 

What year Ram are you talking about? What rivets?

 

i sec that? im confussed?

 

They are?

 

OK, it seems the remark about the ball joints being riveted in has taken many people for a loop. Is this a fact or not?

Last night I went to O'Reilly Auto Parts and ordered all front end parts (tie rod ends, drag link, pitman arm, rotors, pads) and 1-ton Chevy wheel cylinders. I forgot to get shocks, but I can cover my bases on that later. As long as I am going to have the front end apart I would like to get the ball-joints done. Is there any advice for this?

 

last i check there was a ring or C clip... NOT rivets.. I use a press ball joint press to pull em out and put em in...I guess you can use a hammer to ? i bet this so called "rivet" was the grease nipple this guy seen ? if that the cause then LOL !!!!