Ball Joints

[BigBadDodge]

Hey All



Been a while since my last post, I have a ? for you guys that have replaced your ball joints. I am going to have mine done real soon and I was woundering if there is an after market brand that is heavier duty then the stock ones. I have those 36" tires and thought I might upgrade the ball joints as well. There going out on me and are the OE ones with 65,000 miles.



Any help would be greatly appriciated,



Scott

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by BigBadDodge

Hey All



Been a while since my last post, I have a ? for you guys that have replaced your ball joints. I am going to have mine done real soon and I was woundering if there is an after market brand that is heavier duty then the stock ones. ...

I managed to last 90K miles 'til the lower left wore out with my 225/70-19. 5 Yokos.



Since you are Amsoil B2B, I might suggest using Moog parts and keeping them well-lubed with Amsoil Series 2K grease suited for the Bay State's climate. I honestly can't say I've ever met a Moog part I didn't like; they've always made a superb product. I must also say that I haven't needed any of their parts in ten years, and I don't know if their quality has changed in the meantime.



Of course, keeping them greased *could* be problematic, since the Zerk fitting for the upper joint might just contact the u-joint (if you have 4WD, which your sig doesn't indicate). The lower isn't a problem.



Fest3er

 

[drawson]

Moog is the part for me. I just got through replacing mine. Moog's saying is exceed the need.

 

[F Simkowski (In Memory)]

Moved to the 2nd Gen. Ram forum for replys.

 

[Howard Durand]

I replaced all four of mine at about 75k. Moog was recommended to me by a brake shop. I am very happy with them. They all come with grease zerks. Plugs are furnished to replace the uppers after you get them greased.

Shop around for a price. They aren't cheap but you can beat most of the auto supply shops. I found a good price at Warehouse Auto Parts of Redding, CA. They are on the web. I am sure there are other good deals as well.

I did the job myself and even though I had to buy a couple of large size sockets and wrenches, I saved money doing it.

If you do it yourself, be aware that you have to take the u-joints and axle shafts out. This is easy enough but extreme care must be taken not to damage the seals when you put them back.

Replacing the seals would be a real bear. Especially the one on the differential side.

Good luck.

 

[Alaskaskiff]

I replaced one lower ball joint with one from napa. has zerk, & had no problems.

 

[Extreme1]

Dana (Spicer) from NAPA!

Comes with a zirk!

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Scott, I would second the Moogs from what I've seen. I think the 97 and 98 are the same, if so P/N K8607T is the lower and K8388T is the upper. Gary at Western Auto in Hanover got them for me and price wasn't too painful. Good Warranty!. I can't vouch is you can leave the zerk on the lower, its awful close the the axle—yes, mine are still in the box awaiting install!! I was figuring a right angle zerk might squeak by...

 

[BigBadDodge]

Thanks for the replies all,



Looks like I may go with the Moog's, I don't know why I didn't think of them to begin with. I already have a lot of moog steering componets, yes pricey, but I haven't had any roblems with there products either.



Thanks again for all of the great input,



Scott