I have an 01 Ram 2500 and I need to replace the ball joints and i am trying to figure out all the tools i need and what is involved like do i have to mess with antilock brake system and what needs to come apart to get it done

 

I did mine last spring and can be a PITA but can be done in the drive way. I used a big gear puller to get the rotors off, and there are 4 bolts on the back side of the caliper bracket that come out then if not rusty the square plate comes off. Mine was very rusty so used an air chisel to loosen it up. I used an impact to get the old ball joints out and the new ones in. Harbor Freight has a ball joint press for @40.00 and is the same one you can get at most auto stores but alot less. Also put your new joints in the freezer over night and take them out one by one helps them shrink just a bit to get them in a little easier. Don't forget to get some beer as well.

 

4x4 or 2 wheel drive?? if 4x4 removing the hub assy is a PITA, as for the abs sensor shouldn't be a problem..... I would get some dry ice and put the new ball joint in that.... let sit over night...(I use dry ice for pins on my excavator tracks)It freezes them so U basically drop them in... then if U have some left (this is after U finished the ball joints and drank all your beer) U can make really neat plastic bottle bombs and scare your neighbors.....

 

Are moog ball joints a quality product, i found them for $30 cheaper than they are at NAPA? Would you put them on your truck with oversize tires

 

hey guys, just read this thread the other day and I have a question for you..looked into the spicer ball joints and guess what, they make 2 differenent joints, 1 a red service replacement and 2 a professional service....anyone know what the difference is between the 2?........Dallas

 

I went with the Moog ones and no complaints. Still about 200 for all 4

 

were these fixed or adjustable?

where'd you get them for $50 bux each?

 

They were the fixed ones and got them at the local Napa auto parts here in town.

 

humm... bastards want $109 each at the Napa here in Sac... Would you still have the reciept with the p/n's on it? If so can you post them?

edit: also, confirmed that my uppers are shot. Did the wheel bearing test (12/6 oclock & check for movement) and found that the BJ's were moving on both sides. I will most likely do t he work myself and do all 4.

 

Hey guys my boy and I replaced all the ball joints on his 2003,3500 truck and I cut the old ones in half and this is what I found. The upper ball joint is designed to have upward movement.