i just watched a youtube video where a guy change the ball joints on a 2001 2wd dodge truck. would this be the same procedure on my van? with the ball joints riveted to the control arms. bad design. this van has only 33,000 miles i dont think dodge used a very high quality ball joint.

 

The tops are threaded in so you do need a special tool to get them out. Or you can for about $25 a side, just by a whole new control arm that has the BJs in it.
The bottoms are the old standard of pressed in. Actually it is a pretty easy job - just heavy work. You will need large sockets and wrenches for this job.