So i had a squeaking noise and it turns out to be both tie rods and 2 ball joints need replaced on my front left!!!!!!! like where did this come from? So the dealership wants 750 bucks for the job, or 365 for just the parts, i found the parts for 200 at an auto parts store. My question is do the ball joints need pressed to get them out? do i need a certain tool? i just cant afford 750 dollars right now as bein a college student and any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. the dodge is an 2006 model 1500

 

You need a hydraulic press... or a solid axle ball joint tool. I'd go with the hydraulic press... I've had them take 12 tons or more to get them to pop out. You may need circlip pliers as well... I don't remember if the lower ball joint is retained with a circlip. There is also a special tool (#8677) that is used to unseat the balljoints from the knuckles . Don't hit the knuckle with a hammer, you can damage it and have a catastrophic failure down the road.

You definitely want to get an alignment when you are done... so plan on that as well.

 

Go to autozone and get a maintenance manual. They also have a rent-a-tool program because you will probably have to press them out and then in. Hope this helps.

 

Thank guys, so with the tools, how hard of a job is it, i am also gettin the manual also

 

using the rent-a-tool for the balljoints may be a bit difficult but doable.
Remember, you'll still need an alignment after your done.

When taking the tierod off, you'll want to put a piece of masking tape on the inner arm with a vertical line so to measure off of. Don't use a thick marker or a magnum44...lol use a pencil tip. You'll measure from that point to the center of the balljoint. Take your time and measure good. When you install the new tierod, you'll measure off the masking tape line to the center of the new balljoint and then tighten the jamnut back down. I did both sides of my Stratus and put 40kmi with no alignment, no tire wear and tracked straight as an arrow. Did my exploder the same way and it wasn't far off at all when i had it aligned. That will get you by for the time being without an alignment if needed, but regardless, that's how i do all my installs.
Counting threads is not accurate, especially if the newer made arm is longer or shorter.

 

Sweet thanks guys, its going to be about 2 weeks till i can get to my dads house and use his tools to do the job... They said since its squeaking the ball joint is just now starting to get bad so i have a while, but i want to make sure it will be ok to drive on it for 2 weeks before i change it.... I worry because my buddy told me a horror story of this dudes car had a bad ball joint and it broke and completely destroyed the side of his car....

 

Like they said it is a doable job, could be labor intensive, I would recomend taking pictures before you start of everything your going to be removing, what goes where and how...etc. You can also use the other side as refrence too

 

so it ball joints a common problem? the truck is offroad alot not muddin but for hunting, could that cause it to go bad? or mainly just wear and tear, the truck only has 50k miles on it

 

The ball joints on these trucks IMO suck. When you get new ones make sure you get ones that have a zerk fitting on them so you can keep them greased up. The factory puts non serviceable joints on the trucks so you come back to them and pay to have them replaced. Yes, this is a common problem with these trucks.

 

Thanks dudes, i found a mechanic back home to do the job for 150, and the parts are 150, so 300 bucks with alignment.... SO i will probably do that, i love working on my truck just affraid i will get excited with the hydralic press and screw something up, i get to excited with new tools