2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front ball joints

[Dual EE]

Had my front ball joints replaced. Mechanic found that they were spot welded in place. Is this normal?



Anybody else with a 95 2wd 3500 experience this?

 

[BobW]

Early 2nd generation lower ball joints are spot welded to the A arm. Service manual says replace the lower A arm if you have to replace the lower ball joint. Upper ball joints can be pressed out.



I've wondered if you could grind or cut the spot weld and press out the lower ball joint?

 

[Dual EE]

RWomack,

My mechanic just pressed out all four and respot welded the two lowers. The ball joints were not cheap. I would have hated to add the cost the lower a-arms.



It kinda of irritates me that the a-arms are supposed to be replaced. This is (so I thought) a heavy duty 1 ton truck-not a cheap disposable truck.

 

[onstottc]

Mine were spot welded and I pressed them out after grinding away the welds. I replaced them with Moog Joints.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

On my 02 the balljoints are rivited in place, but the balljoint has an ear on it that protrudes intot he control arm. In short, new control arm needed for ball joint replacement. 338 bucks local, 230 from Tenafly jeep chrysler. I am still p'oed about this scenario of garuanteed income for chrysler.

 

[onstottc]

I recall hearing that Moog is making a rebuild kit for these. Drill out the rivets and bolt in new ball joints.