i have a 98 dodge ram 4x4.. how do i check to see if the ball joints are bad

 

Jack up the front end and have someone shake the tire (top and bottom) while you watch the ball joints ... there should be no movement.

 

Mine wouldn't move unless there was a load on it. If I'm in 2H and am turning like I'm pulling into a parking spot, sometimes it would skip like I hit sand and then regripped on the pavement. Some wander, some knock and the worst was the funky brake wear.

 

or if they are shredded like mine were then you know they ar bad.