Probably right Arctodus. We shall see.

 

I'd push the issue. You could have a legal case if someone can tell that it's a material defect.

I don't think a powertrain warranty would cover a wheel falling off under any circumstances though. What was the bumper to bumper term on your truck?

 

I think it was only 3/36000. I had some issues with a Furd pickup back in 92. I did learn a lot from that and over the years have figured out different ways to handle manufacturer issues (not just automotive). I'm sure the chirpy girl from customer service has been trained to say no. The service writer/rep seemed sympathetic and said he can understand my irritation (at this point) and said he would get with the service manager on Monday and see what we could do. It seemed odd to the both of us that customer service gave me the standard reply but did not do any case number or ?

 

its sad chrysler still uses ****ty ball joints on their trucks. As a former dakota owner, I had to deal with the ball joint problem a few times. I got them to replace them for free under the recall. Ive seen the same exact thing happen to many dakotas. They're probably still using the same non-greaseable garbage theyve used all these years.

 

Wow! Lucky it happened where it did. Just currious! Have you noticed any looseness in the front end lately? Or any wander or pull graduly getting worse as well? Just wondering as I have an 07 as well and those ball points sure look weak for a full size truck. Just wondering if there was any warning no matter how slight.
On a similar note, does anybody know of quality aftermarket ball joints that can replace the factory ones and if so roughly how much? Do they get changed out with any 4" lift? Looking at options because posts like this kind of scare me. Makes me not trust the durrability of these trucks and look for resonable options to beef it up.

 

MOOG is a good greasable replacement ball-joint, that's what is in my truck now. I might be wrong, but I think with a 4" Rancho lift you get heavier-duty joints in the front end

 

No indication of it at all. Drove around town all morning and did not notice anything.

 

How was the wear on the tires your tires would be worn un even pretty bad to have the ball joint that wore out to break

 

New tires last August along with an alingment. Check pressures every few weeks. No uneven wear. I'm pretty **** when it comes to maintenance. This is why its a shock to me...no indications at all.

 

I'm going to get some things out of it tomorrow. I'll get some day pics to post. Maybe someone will notice something.