ball joints what are the brand's available?

[BLoging]

just got back from the dealership(stealership) to get the recall done and to get the tie rod end that is up by the pitman are and after the got done they came back with a quote of 2800 bucks to have new upper and lower ball joints and sway bar end links and u-joints and to have the 08 up grade to the steering done. they told me that the ball joints are out of spec, but they did not tell me what the limit was for that spec!


and the tie rode end that I wanted to get replaced is no longer available that is why they want to the up grade to the 08 steering system. so I gave the money to them for the half an hour that it toke and left and walked across the street to the parts place called motor part's and equipment and they had a replacement part for that tie rod for 40 bucks so I got it. now I will do it my self. and save that labor!!!

so my question to every one is What brands are the for the ball joints on a 2004 dodge ram 2500 4x4? the same one below.
I have found the dynatrac brand, and the Carli brand.
are there any other brands out there that are just as good or better?

 

[AH64ID]

Those two brands are what I would stick with.

 

[seafish]

If your are not wanting to replace balljoints a second time, those are the best of the rest.

 

[jelag]

I used one of the professional brands from Rockauto.com but don't take this project on without the use of a good ball joint press.... I bought a used OTC through e-bay during one of my projects and use it for both u-joints and ball joints.. I didn't have to heat mine... but have head of some of the guys having to heat the knuckle to get them to press out...

Good luck..

 

[Wayne M.]

When I did my hubectomy, I put moog problem solver ball joints in. I just couldn't afford the carli stuff. I had to do the end at the pitman arm too, and so far I'm having good luck with moog. I pound my truck every day and it's been a helluva winter around here. The roads are destroyed. Monday, I did a check on the front end cause I have a knock. I think it's the sway bar links, but the moog stuff is holding up good.

I really stress the importance of having the right tools , support equip and a good place to do the job. This ain't no tonka toy!

 

[Ozymandias]

Don't heat, really don't Heat! The Pressfit will be destroyed permanently.

 

[kschitoskey]

Mine went out around 60K. Local reputable shop suggested Moogs, said they never had one come back. I haven't had any problems with them. I don't like to farm out work on my truck, but for this job I left it to the pros. Before I had it done I replaced tie rods, put in a Redhead steering box, box support bracket, and Amsoil ATF. Has been solid for 42K miles.

3rd gen ball joints are like the lift pump on the 2nd gens (and the $%S DPF for the 4th gens)...I guess every model has it's Achilles Heel...

 

[pjorlando]

I've had good lick with XRF, a Canadian brand that seems to hold up pretty good. Lifetime warranty. I also have used their front end components with much success. After 60,000 on them, tight as ever. Didn't get that out of the factory originals.