Year 2002 with only approx 50k miles.

Brought it to shop this morning from hearing front end noises when turning at very slow speed ... like in and out of driveway.

Also pushing up/down on front bumper I could hear sort of a squeaking sound, especially on passenger side.

Repair shop says lower ball joints or shot .... upper's not far behind.

Also mentioned a slight leak in steering column (?)

So to replace all 4 ball joints, realign, fix steering leak .... $1780.

Does this sound about right ?

 

Well i have a 2004 and when i bought it was not told about a lower ball joint that was bad and battled with the dealership to replace it, but after taking it to dodge to get the initial quote is was about 700 bucks to replace the one lower ball joint, so i would think that is in the ball park.

 

Mine's an 07, about the same mileage. They told me the same thing. Only both lower ball joints and the tie rods. Gonna replace all four though. Around the same price.

 

I just replaced my lower driver ball joint for $65

 

Sounds steep to me, unless they're fixing the leak by replacing the rack. I got all four bjs, a tie rod end and alignment for considerably less, and I think I paid too much. At least it's a respected shop.

 

Thanks for the replys.

Here's the items list :

Control Arm
Upper/Lower Ball Joints
Steering Rack
AtF-4
Front End Alignment

Parts $683 ____ Labor $872 ____ Tax $125 ____ Total $1680

I guess it's the labor that kinda gets to me.

Took 'em no more than 6 or 7 hours.
That's $125 to $145 an hour ..... some how that doesn't seem right.

 

You guys better start shopping online and doing the work yourself unless you got that kind of money to give away. (i dont)

www.rockauto.com

02 - 1500 - 5.9 - 2wd

Moog 7411 - lower BJ - $45/ea
Moog 7424 - UCA w/BJ - $63/ea
Moog 7473 - UCA bushings - $18/pr
Moog 7417 - LCA bushings - $23/pr

Rack and Pinion from Autozone - $200 + core charge (refundable)

Thats $450 is parts + you install (free labor) + alignment cost ( 50-75)

 

You can take your LCAs off and pay someone $20 to press the ball joints in and out. You have to replace the whole upper units. Rack is super easy, I removed mine while installing my body lift.

If you need to replace the control arm bushings guess what? the same place that presses the ball joints can do it. I used a spring shop. It wouldn't take more than half a day if you had a buddy. But some peoples time is worth more, since labor isnt but about one 12 shift of work

 

Yeah with mine i found out about it after 2 weeks of owning the truck, otherwise i would have done it myself..but i figured no the dealership can pay for that one!.. ha.. and Rockauto is a great place to get things!..

 

I'm still looking for away to kick myself in the butt .... never should 'a agreed to that price.

Don't have the tools to take on something like that, and if I did I'd be hesitant because lack of experience .... especially with something I'd put on the highway.

Looks like quality parts though, the ball joints have grease zerts.

I payed the price and will have to learn from it.