Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
TDR Magazine subscribers receive more than the magazine! You also gain additional forum privileges!
Details here: TDR Privileges
Subscribe to TDR Magazine here: https://www.tdr-online.com/
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.
CNN news at 6pm est had a story that Dodge/DC would be having a major recall on Pickups, Durangos and I missed what else for Ball Joint problems. DC claims its possible for the wheels to fall off. Has anyone heard of this recall ? Maybe this will be the answer to Ball Joints wearing out early ?
Yea, but I bet it's the same OEMer thats making our faulty ball joints. How do you tell the people responsible for the recall that there are other DC trucks with an abnormaly high ball joint failure rate. Tell me how. I'll call em.
Yes, but sadly it's only the Durango and Dakota. I was going to post on this issue last night but didn't get a chance; having just seen it on the news I figured I'd best get on it. At 22K miles, my front axle makes nasty clunking noises when driving on bumpy roads, particularly when there's a rapid change in road surface height (potholes, where a newly paved road isn't tied in with an intersecting road, which is common practice in my area as of late). I stuck a floor jack under the axle (once on each side), and with a long tamper bar checked for ball joint slop. With a dial indicator I measured . 033 (~1/16")vertical travel of the steering knuckle. Horizontal play is minimal at this point. Now on paper that doesn't sound like much, but to visually see it in action makes you afraid to drive it. I went to the dealer, he ordered 4 new ball joints, and when they arrived I dropped the truck off to be fixed. Now the good part. After sitting in the garage for 2 days, the repair was denied. The reason? According to DC's - and I quote - "New way to check for play" I only have . 010. According to Service manual 81-370-04059, pages 2-34 & 2-35, (which I don't have a copy of) there has to be . 060 play before the ball joint is declared bad. From this I gather that the verticle travel doesn't factor in; only the lateral play. By the time I get to . 060 lateral play, I can't imagine what the verticle play will be. Probably enough to, gee, make the wheel fall off? At least it gets it out of DC's warrenty period ... My truck is due for PA inspection next month, which these ball joints should fail miserably. Then we'll see how DC handles ball joints that they claim or OK but can't pass a state inspection. Sure like to hear from others to see if they run into the same problem with this "new way to check for play". Currently there are no complaints about the 3rd gen ball joint issue on the NHTSA website, but with all the chatter, there darn well oughtta be (and will be shortly).
Earlier this year will leaving the grocery store i saw a Dodge Dakota in the parking lot. It looked like they lost there lug nuts it was wright in the road . I got closer to it and notice the lug nuts wher still on the hole thing spindle and all laying on the ground :--) I just figured that they had some shady machanic work and it was,nt put back together properly. I hope maby this will lead to the recall of all of are ball joints
When I worked for the dodge dealership it was scary the amount of ball joints that are replaced, they should open the recall to ALL dodge trucks. Also I feel sorry for all the people out there that has already replaced thier balljoints.
P. S. Im glad Im not working there now because it's going to be a freaking mad house.
The NHTSA claims they don't base investigations solely on the number of complaints, but I'm sure a sudden barrage of complaints would grab their attention. I know they received at least one today...
Following a tip from Gary-KJ7Q(?) I bought a hypodermic needle for my grease gun. Filled up the upper and lower ball joint boots with Mobil 1 grease last weekend. I have no idea whether any of that grease will have any effect at all, but I rest assured they are PACKED with grease now!
I am holding out for Moog to offer new greasable ball joints...
Checked the Moog catalog for 2000-up Durango's (4x4). Part number is K7392 for the upper joint, K7395 for the lower. Anyone work at a parts store that can open those boxes and see if they're greasable?
I'm wondering because I assume Moog will eventually offer similar parts for our trucks (checked catalog... they don't yet).
Why don't people who have trouble with their ball joints put on the Moog parts? 10:1 they're better than OEM. I guess if you have your truck serviced at the dealer they'll just put the same junk on it that came from the factory.
Checked the Moog catalog for 2000-up Durango's (4x4). Part number is K7392 for the upper joint, K7395 for the lower. Anyone work at a parts store that can open those boxes and see if they're greasable?
The lowers don't need a fitting cuz the grease fitting is actually on the lower control arm so when you pump it in, the grease travels to the pressed in joint. The uppers are greasable on the aftermarket joints. I agree Moog are the ones to have.
I just filed my complaint to the NHTSA. Took about 10 mins. and hopefully will be worth the effort. If everyone experiencing this would do the same we should see results. Here is the link to file a complaint. HAve your VIN# handy.
I understand that the trucks that are requiring premature ball joint replacement are the 4x4,s aparently the 4x2's are not affected a different set up.
Checked my locomotive this morning, both Lower Joints are gone-gone-gone, Upper are fine. 2x4 with 47k miles (76k km). Anybody found a good replacement, Moog or other? Is the 2x4 part the same as the 4x4 by any chance? Thanks! Dan
Ps: be notified that Montreal roads this year are better suited for those driving Timberjacks than anything w/ a normal suspension
Problem is and I have left this in other threads is that all ball joints today are made in China yes China. Not till we get back to making it here in the USA we will continue to build junk. But it all becomes $ and Cents
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
... My truck is due for PA inspection next month, which these ball joints should fail miserably. Then we'll see how DC handles ball joints that they claim or OK but can't pass a state inspection. Sure like to hear from others to see if they run into the same problem with this "new way to check for play". Currently there are no complaints about the 3rd gen ball joint issue on the NHTSA website, but with all the chatter, there darn well oughtta be (and will be shortly).
