ball joints?
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Veteran
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 419
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From: stafford springs CT
anyone know anything abou our balljoint? besides they suck! like are the pressed in or threaded and did anyone do there own? im a wrencher and was wondering if anyone had info on what to expect or special tools i may need? thanks
guess theres no "realife" gearheads or "pro" auto techs in the crowd....
guess theres no "realife" gearheads or "pro" auto techs in the crowd....
Last edited by ericemery; Dec 15, 2008 at 08:02 PM.
Record Breaker
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From: Central NY
The upper balljoints are integral to the a-arms, such that if excessive play develops in the joint, Dodge will be happy to replace your perfectly good control arm assembly. At least that's how I interpret the service manual.
Record Breaker
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From: Central NY
From the Service Manual p. 2-37:
"6. If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace the upper control arm since the upper ball joint is integral to the
arm (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/UPPER CONTROL ARM - REMOVAL)."
Travel is free play in the balljoint between the arm and the steering knuckle.
Seems to me; either the joints were designed for a "Lifetime" or it was a lot cheaper to manufacture them this way, even when failure means total replacement. I wonder how much an upper a-arm is.
"6. If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace the upper control arm since the upper ball joint is integral to the
arm (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/UPPER CONTROL ARM - REMOVAL)."
Travel is free play in the balljoint between the arm and the steering knuckle.
Seems to me; either the joints were designed for a "Lifetime" or it was a lot cheaper to manufacture them this way, even when failure means total replacement. I wonder how much an upper a-arm is.
Professional
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 139
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From: NY
The front ball joint went out on my truck also, 2005 dodge dakota, it had about 38k miles at the time. I can't remember the specifics of what they did but it was expensive. Driver's side.
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Record Breaker
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Central NY
Man, that's early. Just outside of warranty too...did you try to talk a dealer into covering it? I've heard tales of failures just outside of warranty being covered.
If my ball joints sht out before about 75,000 I will not be thrilled. If you're gonna fuse them to the goddamn a-arm they'd better be a lifetime part. Just kidding, I know we're talking about Dodges.
If my ball joints sht out before about 75,000 I will not be thrilled. If you're gonna fuse them to the goddamn a-arm they'd better be a lifetime part. Just kidding, I know we're talking about Dodges.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Hixson, TN
Coondog05
I'll tell you what I found out after researching the ball joint issue with my local parts department. The lower ball joint is replaceable and can be ordered from Dodge. The upper ball joint CANNOT be ordered from Dodge by itself. The upper ball joint is made into the upper control arm, and can be ordered for around $250!!! All around, this truck is poorly designed, IMO. I've had multiple issues with mine.
