Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Hello,
In the process of replacing my ball joints on my 2004.5 Ram 2500 QC, LB, at 135k mi. The OEM ball joints are still in good shape and feel smooth; however, since I'm in the process of repalcing a slew of front end parts (wheel U-Joints, unit bearings, front pinion seal, etc) I'm goint to replace them anyway.
Front End Component Notes (@ 135k mi.):
1.) I purchased Raybestos "Professional Grade" 500-1117 (Upper) and 505-1131 (Lower). In all of the manufacturers pictures (Raybestos website) these ball joints looked to be NON-knurled. When I opened the box they were knurled. I'm not sure I want ot install knurled joints if I dont need them... Thus I'm looking for a high-quality alternative; I'm not sure I want to pony up $650 for dynatrac joints and I won't spend $800 on Carli, thats WAY too much money.
2.) The front axle wheel U-Joints were also in good shape; although the passenger side unit lookd to have a minor amount of water ingress (beginning of the end).
3.) Unit bearings were marginal, and had some rough spots but no real play to speak of. The were really rusted into the steering knuckle, had to use the power steering/socket trick to remove them.
4.) Front pinon seal was leaking, FYI - you can repalce the wear ring that fits arounf the front pinion yoke. Quad 4x4 had the war ring for sale in a seal kit.
Question:
1.) If I choose to avoid using the knurled Raybestos joints, for fear of forever having to install knurled units, what brands BESIDES DYNATRAC AND CARLI, are a good non-knurled joint?
2.) Is my fear of installing knurled joints legitamate? i.e. once you install a knurled joint you must foreve install a knurled joint for future repalcements?
In the process of replacing my ball joints on my 2004.5 Ram 2500 QC, LB, at 135k mi. The OEM ball joints are still in good shape and feel smooth; however, since I'm in the process of repalcing a slew of front end parts (wheel U-Joints, unit bearings, front pinion seal, etc) I'm goint to replace them anyway.
Front End Component Notes (@ 135k mi.):
1.) I purchased Raybestos "Professional Grade" 500-1117 (Upper) and 505-1131 (Lower). In all of the manufacturers pictures (Raybestos website) these ball joints looked to be NON-knurled. When I opened the box they were knurled. I'm not sure I want ot install knurled joints if I dont need them... Thus I'm looking for a high-quality alternative; I'm not sure I want to pony up $650 for dynatrac joints and I won't spend $800 on Carli, thats WAY too much money.
2.) The front axle wheel U-Joints were also in good shape; although the passenger side unit lookd to have a minor amount of water ingress (beginning of the end).
3.) Unit bearings were marginal, and had some rough spots but no real play to speak of. The were really rusted into the steering knuckle, had to use the power steering/socket trick to remove them.
4.) Front pinon seal was leaking, FYI - you can repalce the wear ring that fits arounf the front pinion yoke. Quad 4x4 had the war ring for sale in a seal kit.
Question:
1.) If I choose to avoid using the knurled Raybestos joints, for fear of forever having to install knurled units, what brands BESIDES DYNATRAC AND CARLI, are a good non-knurled joint?
2.) Is my fear of installing knurled joints legitamate? i.e. once you install a knurled joint you must foreve install a knurled joint for future repalcements?
