Ball Joints

[PKemp]

Ball Joints are going on my 95, 3500... .

I was looking at them and they don't seem to be the replaceable kind..... !!



Does this mean I have to replace the control arms with ball joints?

If so, is there another source other than the dealer???

They want like $500. 00 for uppers; 490 for lowers. !!!!



Ohhhh Nooooooo!



Anyone out there with any suggestions please... ... ...



-Pat

 

[ZR600]

They are replaceable. At least in my 97 3500 they are the press in type. Napa has them and they are cheap around $25 a piece... ... ... ..... Brian

 

[TGaines]

I replaced all four ball joints on my 96. Not sure if they are the same. DC wanted to charge me for the control arms and new ball joints, but I just went to NAPA and bought the replacements. Job wasn't that bad if you have a ball joint press, which you can borrow from Auto Zone or like store. I ended up paying about 300 for parts if I remember right, but I got military rates. $38 for lowers and about $50 for uppers each. I also did the tie rod ends in that $300.

 

[mikel]

As I understand it, the 95's used two different styles of ball joints. Some were pressed in and some were welded in. The pressed in ones can be had from NAPA for about $200 total.



I don't know if the ones that are welded in can be seperated from the control arms with a little "persuasion" or not. You'll have to take a good look at that and see for yourself.



I got lucky as I didn't know anything at all about the ball joint issue when I bought this truck used and just happened to get a truck with pressed in ball joints.



Good luck,

Mike