2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ball Joints

[K5IP]

OK, so I've never changed a ball joint. Now is the time to learn.

My 95 2500 needs a lower joint. Looking at my service manual, I can do everything up to the piont where you press the joint out of the knuckle. The service manual shows special tools to do this and the instructions state that special service tools are necessary. Installation also requires special tools.

Question: Can I do this with my hydraulic press and a few make shift parts or do I have to have the parts pressed by someone who has the tools.

The tools pictured are not that impressive, sort of a c-clamp with special holders. I just don't have a feel for how hard they come apart.

Thanks

Rog

 

[DavidC]

I have changed them with a press before. The only downside is complete removal of the lower arm from the vehicle. The special tools sold leave the arm in the vehicle. Just be very careful with the coil spring.



Dave

 

[vssman]

Is it a 2wd or 4wd? If it's a 4wd then this is how it's done (I just did mine 2 weeks ago). The knuckle comes off and your best bet is to use a hydraulic press instead of a ball joint press. I tried the ball joint press route and ended up taking it to a machine shop with a hydraulic press to have them changed. I could only get one out with the ball joint press, the other was bound up in by I guess a little bit of rust. Bent the screw on the ball joint press trying to get it out. Only cost me 16. 00 each to press out the old and install the new (obviously not including the replacement parts) - a lot less than buying a ball joint press & adapter kit.

 

[K5IP]

THanks Guys,

Yes, it is a 4x4. I'll get with it.

Rog

 

[tp0d]

I recently did all 4 on my 4x4... If you have one bad, you should do them all, theyre all gonna be in the same condition.



I used a porto-power with c-frame addon rented from a local tool joint here. . Had to make a few adapters from some 2" pipe stock, but the whole job went real smooth, only cost me 50$ plus parts and time to do it all. The portopower was a lifesaver. . it worked great for pushing off the hubs also...



good luck



-j

 

[K5IP]

Only the lower one shows any wear but I'll do the upper at the same time. Only one side though, the other side is tight as new. I guess after several trips to Alaska and over 120K one might expect to change some kind of suspension part. I see lots of comments about suspension problems on the newer trucks bet except for a track bar end, this is the first suspension repair I've had.

Again, thanks all.

Rog

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

I had mine replaced, upper and lower at 90,000. Tech told me they were light duty did I want heavy duty installed, they would last longer. I said yes. Another instance of Dodge trying to save money at the owners expense. I knew that all of them do this before I bought the truck but how else was I to get the Cummins engine.