So I got my tires rotated today. Discount tire does em for free even if you didn't buy them there, and they do the final torque with a torque wrench not an impact wrench. Anywho, like usual while the wheels are off I go inspect my brakes, they look OK. Then when they put the wheels back on but the truck is still in the air I grab the right fron tire and shake side to side no play, up and down no play. I go to the drivers side and repeat, but up and down ( hands at 12 and 6 o'clock) I got enough play to notice. [:'(]So I guess some time soon I need to get under there with an indicator and check just how much play I have. I read the service manual and it says bottom can have up to .090" and top can have up to .060" play, HOLY CRAP that's a lot!

Has anyone already done them and found some short cuts? What about a better grade replacement ball joint, maybe one that has grease zerts?

Inquiring minds want to know!

 

I've seen the complaint many times Nick. You know anyway Dodge has never had a good front end. IMO.... replace it all with Thuren's linkage. You'll get rid of the ball joints, replaced with heims. Moog would be my siggestions if you're just gonna replace them but, you'll be doing it again sooner than you care too.

 

Triton, What in the world is Thuren's linkage?

 

some really nice custon fabbed parts for the front end. It's a night and day difference in handling and steering...Thuren Fabrication

 

how many miles nick. . .I need to check mine out soon. . .last I checked was about 30K I think and had a max of .009 on the upper of the passenger side. all the others I had to realy manhandle with a 3 foot pry bar to get any type of reading over .002

 

last year we built three go carts and used heim joints for the front steering. they are a great idea for rough and tumble use, to separate the joints we put 1/4 inch compression fittings between them, this allowed enough separation for tightening the joint.

 

milage would be nice, id kinda know how much longer i got on mine

 

I am at just a hair over 50K miles.

I looked up some joints and can't seem to find any greaseable ones. I'll investigate the Thuren stuff. Would thier set up replace the stock stuff even though I won't be lifting or modifying otherwise?

 

you should call Don and talk to him. He can tell you what can be done and how it will help. Yes, his linkage replaces the stock steering linkage... lifted or not. No more steering play, no death wobble and will out last the stock crap by years ! It would cost a bit more than just replacing ball joint but in the long run.... extremely worth it.

 

Triton, all that is great for the steering components. Nick is talking about ball joints between the axle and steering knuckle, though.

Nick I just did a quick check at www.rockauto.com, they have your joints, greaseable uppers, looks like lowers you might be stuck. Good luck.