2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ball-Joints gone at 55K?

[jchapin]

Hi Folks,



I just got back from getting my '01 2500 4x4 inspected. They failed it and now I've got the big red 'R' on my windshield.



They said all four ball-joints on front end (L & R) need replacement. They tested by jacking it and prying with long iron.



So, I'm looking at 1K for the job (predicted by local dealer). Bummer, there goes a lot of ski money... :{



The mechanic (local shop) who failed the truck said to be carefull about who replaces the joints because it's tricky on the diesel's, something about a problem with breaking new seals when replacing. That's why he suggested dealer who might have better specific tools.



Anyway, is replacement at 55K premature? I'm in Boston area and have to deal with crappy roads so I'm not too surprised but I'm hoping for some feedback.



Should I replace them with OEM ball-joints, or is there a better way to go? I plan on driving this gem of a truck until one of us dies.



I did a search here on ball joints and see that some folks have gone a long time without replacement. Others describe different testing methods (and greasing up ball-joint first). So I'm hesitant to go toss this to the dealer... wish I had my own bay, I hate paying for labor-intensive work when I could possibly do it myself.

(more fun that way and gives me good excuse to buy even more tools!!!)



Thanks for any help!!!

Cheers,

-Jack

 

[Sasquash]

I replaced mine at 50k and used the Moog ball joints. They have grease fittings on them and should last much longer than the stock ones. I also replaced the track bar at the same time with a DT track bar.

I think that a good front end shop would be better than the stealer, they will have everything they need to do you right.

Dan

 

[Lnwing]

Jack,



Like Dan said, check somewhere other than the dealer.



After 155,000 hard miles, I had a local frame/front end shop replace mine. Cost me about $450. 00 for all four.



Lynn

 

[LSMITH]

Replaced mine at about 40K miles. Went back with the OEM joints, they were $50 for all 4 out the door with the warranty. Got about 115K miles total now and no problems with the replacement joints.

 

[Jeff Knight]

We just did the left side on a guys 01 about 3 weeks ago. There aren't any aftermarket joints for the new trucks yet. It can be a time cosuming job but it's doable. I would check around before letting the dealer do it. Jeff

 

[Briar Hopper]

www.ingallseng.com has ball joints for the 2000-2002 trucks. A little pricey at approximately $138 each, if I remember correctly. Part number 615.

 

[Driftwood Ram]

Ball Joints

Are you telling us that on a 01 with 55k the ball joints are not covered under warranty???

 

[Briar Hopper]

Mine were not covered. 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty on truck, although they started goin out at around 42,000 miles. . In any case, why bother replacing them with the same original equipment that lasted such a good long time? On the other hand, Lsmith got some good ones. Dealer price on OEM ball joints for my 2001? $216 EACH. That's $432 per wheel, parts only !

 

[Driftwood Ram]

3/36000

Originally posted by Briar Hopper

Mine were not covered. 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty on truck, although they started goin out at around 42,000 miles. . In any case, why bother replacing them with the same original equipment that lasted such a good long time? On the other hand, Lsmith got some good ones. Dealer price on OEM ball joints for my 2001? $216 EACH. That's $432 per wheel, parts only !

Looks like I had a brain cramp. Was thinking of my own situation where I forked out the $$ for the extended 100k warranty

 

[jchapin]

Good feedback!

Thanks All, appreciate the feedback.



After posting, I spoke with a relative who's dealership in Michigan I bought the rig from. He spoke with a mechanic who recently replaced ball-joints on a 2nd Generation CTD and said it was a BEAR of a job; took him six hours for Left & Right's. Parts he said were around $160 for both sides, labor brings total to about $550. However, I can get the parts from him at cost, which may help if I go with local front-end shop.



He urged me to call Dodge Customer Service. I know there are some that have replaced ball-joints around 55K, but I still think it's very premature for a Truck marketed as "Heavy Duty" that doesn't get abused. If I go the dealer repair route, I may be able to get Dodge to share the cost. We'll see. Parts in question are not covered under warranty at this mileage.



I dunno anything about the Moog's, will check 'em out. I like the idea of track-bar replacement with DT model though; have been eyeballing that part in the TDR mag lately.



Maybe the service guy at local dealership was just throwing the $1k figure out in the air. I didn't ask him to break it down, so it may not be accurate.



Anybody know of a good front-end shop in Boston area?



Thanks again, this place Rocks!!!

-Jack

 

[Harley152]

There was a thread on here about 2 years ago about the ball joints not being lubed from the factory OR the dealer before delivery to the purchaser---so I went out and checked mine--- upper ball joints have zerk fittings, lowers don't. I put the trusty grease gun to my uppers and 12 pumps later got the first sign of grease out of the boot!!! This with 3800 miles on the clock!!! Now with 19,800 miles the upper ball joints are SHOT!!! I will soon be negotiating with the dealer and/or DC as soon as my work schedule permits (still within the 3 year/36000 mile coverage)



Jerry

 

[jchapin]

Called the Dodge Customer Service. They will not help out at all with the cost of replacement, even though the guy agreed this is premature. Not happy with that, but also not surprised.



-Jack