I recently bought a 2004 dodge ram 1500 SLT Quad cab 5.7 4X4 with 80,000 miles. I needed a new truck to replace my dieing 95 f150 with bad ball joints and a host of other issues. Long story short...My new truck needs ball joints too. Doh! I had it in the shop and they told me what became apparent to me a short while after i bought it. The lower left ball joint and both tie rod ends are shot.

I have researching here and have found great information and I hope to start a discussion here about what else should be done. I plan to do it myself with the help of a friend.

If one ball joint has failed, is that a sign that the others will fail soon? If you are going to replace the lower ball joints should you do the uppers too? Sway bar links? Tie rod ends?

Is it best to replace these parts all at the same time?

Suggestions from you fine people is so valuable.

Thanks, Dave

 

Wrong section. You need the 3rd Gen.

But to answer your question, if one BJ is bad, Id replace them all for the "just because" factor. Dont need to worry about the tierod ends or anything unless theyre bad.

 

+1. It would be safe to assume that they have been exposed to the same number of miles, driving habits, and maintenance (or lack thereof).

 

I replaced my driver side ball joints first because they were the worst, then the passenger side started squeaking, so it's wise just to replace them all at the same time.

 

Thank you for your responses. I am planning on replacing all of the ball joints and the two tie rod ends since they are shot.

Thanks again.