2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ball joint time - Not warranty

[Weidner]

I went to my alignment shop for a alignment with the www.dodgeram.org specs, they could not do it. They say I need ball joints. After plowing snow one season and 80K miles I understand it is just time. I priced the OE ones, but who wants to put the same junk back into it. I found the Ingle Products adjustable & greasable ones and was going to get them and pay a friend to put them in. Now I see the right up about Quad4x4 in the new TDR. The tools and ball joints shipped are cheaper than the other options, plus it comes with directions.



Does anyone have any experience with this company? Their web site shows some cool products for the do it yourselfers www.quad4x4.com . I have never replaced any ball joints and was hesitant to try it due to the need for special tools. I am thinking of going with the setup from quad4x4.



Any opinions?

 

[Jeff Knight]

Weidner, They are the first company I know of that offers ball joints for the 2000-2002 trucks. Thats the first I have heard of them. There products from the pictures look good. Doesn't seem to be a bad price for all that you get. Let us know if you use there parts and what you think. Jeff

 

[Bova]

Jeff, I just did ball joints two weeks ago,82000mi. It cost me $900. Two days later my TDR mag comes in the mail and I see this quad 4x4 add selling them for half what the dealer wants! I was not a happy camper.

 

[RJOL]

I'll be watching to see if any TDR members have bought and installed this kit. Sounds promising... They don't show the kit for the 2000-2002 Ram on their web site, but issue 41 (pg 165) says it is part #QK4509 and sells for $285 (free shipping)...

 

[Jeff Knight]

Jarhead, That is a ripoff. It's taking a long time to get these parts for the 00-02 trucks. I helped a member with his truck. He had to get them from a dealer. I see quad4x4 has a kit for the track bar as well. Looks similar to the Lukes Link. Jeff

 

[Bova]

Jeff, you ain't kidding. I should break it down. $600 balljoints. $300 install,alignment. I was looking to replace my front coil springs, that's another dealer only part for now. The price was so high I think I made myself forget it.

 

[jmeehan]

The only special tool I ever needed for ball joints was a pickel fork and BFH (large hammer). What's so special about the front end on our Rams that the st... Dealers want so much for them?

Of course I was working on fords at the time, but I did replace ball joints on my '76 1/2 ton chevy with my ford tools.

 

[Cooker]

FWIW - Ball joints are not too bad as long as you have a press and a pickle fork (both can be borrowed at Autozone). Disassembly can be a little tricky as the hubs never seem to come off easy on these trucks.

 

[baby.driver]

Granted mine's a 96 but...

for special tools I used short pieces of pipe and a big vise( WITH CHEATER BAR) to press off and on the ball joints. The pipe came from a fence company.