Hello again,

This weekend I went over by a co-workers house to replace my spark plugs, and we also discussed replacing a couple things in the front end. My cv boot is ripped, so I need to get it fixed soon along with a lower ball joint on the opposite side. While replacing those things, it was suggested to just do everything I can with the front end torn apart. That being said, heres the plan.

Replace:
Upper and lower ball joints
Both cv half shafts
Brake pads
Add 1.5" leveling kit

With the ball joints, Im pretty sure the uppers are the same as the lowers. Anybody know for sure? On cskauto.com, thats what it appears to be.

And here is what I am looking at for parts and prices:
OReilly; Master Pro Select CV Axle Shaft - $69.99ea
OReilly; Moog Ball joint - $54.99ea
AutoAnything.com; Trailmaster 1.5" Leveling Kit - $93.95

Without brake pads, I would be looking at $453.89 + an alignment.

My final questions are:
Is the leveling kit a good deal for $93.95?
and
Instead of doing the upper ball joints by themselves, I can get Master Pro Control Arms with the ball joint assembly for $97.99ea. Would I be better off spending the extra $80 and getting the complete control arms, or just getting the ball joints?

Thanks everyone.

 

I dont think you can just replace the ball joints at least on the upper with out replacing the whole control arm, at least thats the way Mopar has it listed in there star parts.. Star parts is Chrysler system listing all of our parts for all our cars, its a pain in the butt tho, good luck with you improvements .. Cya Slick

 

Thanks slick.
Maybe Ill just spend the extra $80 and go with the control arm assembly then.

 

If you are going to be adding the leveling kit, i would also look into your sway bar see if its worn (if it is original you may have to replace the arms anyways since they are probably gonna break when you remove them). While you are under there check your inner and outer tie rods. Since you have to remove them to get the leveling kit on might not be a bad idea to change them out.

FYI i know most moog parts are greasable but make sure anyways its worth the extra 10 or 20 bucks for greasable parts.

Also plan on a alignment after you install all the parts. especially the leveling kit.

How many miles do you have? if they are low you might be able to find a 5 star rated dealership that will install them for a 1 time parts and tax only. Save yourself the labor. The part that will be installed will be factory so no grease fitting probably.

 

Im planning on doing it over a weekend when I have the next monday off so I can take the truck to get aligned. Is the sway bar the bar that runs on the front of the chassis and connects to the lower control arm?
The truck has 100k on it.

 

Yes it runs on the front and connects to the lower arms..

Here is a great write up with pics of a lot of the removal parts you will be doing.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...l-writeup.html

 

As long as your in there....I just dropped $700 this last week on mine. Towing, parts and labor. But....not sure what you have all done in the last 100K., but I had to have both tie rod ends replaced, and both sides of my sway bar endlinks replaced....ALL WERE SHOT!

If you haven't done these yet, I'd throw it on the list and get something good...like...MOOG if possible.

 

$100 for uppers w/joints is not bad considering moog lower joints are $55. Are the lowers pressed in? Anybody done the lowers? ball joint press work?

I hit a killer pot hole, replaced one of my wheels, but still have a vibration, not sure what it will end up being.

Thanks,
LB