Ball Joint Woes...

[TFucili]

I've been noticing accelerated tire wear, and a bit of steering wander of late, so I took the truck for an alignment check. Much to my chagrin, I was told I needed ball joints at under 37,000 miles I live on a dirt road, and do a bit of off roading(very little at that), but I do not pound my truck. This is a big disappointment, and a bunch of money that I really am not in a position to spend. The shop is inclined to use Moog. I've used their stuff in years past with good results, so I hope it is OK.

 

[ASchwartz]

I've been noticing accelerated tire wear, and a bit of steering wander of late, so I took the truck for an alignment check. Much to my chagrin, I was told I needed ball joints at under 37,000 miles I live on a dirt road, and do a bit of off roading(very little at that), but I do not pound my truck. This is a big disappointment, and a bunch of money that I really am not in a position to spend. The shop is inclined to use Moog. I've used their stuff in years past with good results, so I hope it is OK.

I have gone through a few sets myself.

 

[Bob4x4]

Me too,but no more.

Dodge Ram HD Upper Ball Joints - Dodge Ram Suspension System Components

 

[juicedcummins]

I have done 6 ball joints and 4 front wheel bearings in under 65k. American axles are crap @ best.

 

[rbattelle]

I have done 6 ball joints and 4 front wheel bearings in under 65k. American axles are crap @ best.

American Axle makes neither the bearings nor the ball joints.



Ryan

 

[msperos]

Me too,but no more.
Dodge Ram HD Upper Ball Joints - Dodge Ram Suspension System Components

but how much are they?

 

[AWise]

I think they are almost $600 for the upper set, I havent seen a lower set from them. Has anyone seen/used the ones from Dynatrac yet? I saw an article from late last year that said Dynatrac was releasing some in the ProSteer line, but I havent seen any dealers or prices yet.

Off Road Hardware New Dynatrac Pro Steer Ball Joint Photo

Power Products - Dynatrac ProSteer Ball Joints - Diesel Power Magazine

 

[Bob4x4]

but how much are they?

They are about 550 and worth every penny of it if you plan to keep your truck as long as most of us do. The cost of the labor to replace them only once makes them very attractive.

 

[msperos]

Man when you do the work yourself, 550 is hard to justify. Seems you could by 4 sets of uppers from Moog for that price. My experience on my 01' was that the first change is the hardest if you use anti seize on reassembly it comes apart pretty fast to change them from then.

 

[Bob4x4]

Remember also everytime you slide that axle shaft in or out you risk hurting the seal,and that my friend will not be fun... ... ... .

 

[TFucili]

To close this tale out, I had the ball joints replaced, and the unit hubs felt pretty rough as well. The truck goes straight down the road again. To replace that much hardware at 37K miles is a disgrace