hi, i just bought an 09 ram 3500 duallie. are the ball joints any beter than 2003?

[GreggNoble]

The ball joints were weak on all cummins rams since 1994 i think. will my 2009 be as bad or is there improvements in the design, whats the best aftermarket ball joint for an 09? thanks

 

[goodguys75]

you need ball joints allready... my 06 is still tight... what are people doing with these trucks????

 

[GreggNoble]

you need ball joints allready... my 06 is still tight... what are people doing with these trucks????

no, i don`t need ball joints,my truck has only 48000 kilometers. but i`m trying to get an idea as to how long they last on these newer trucks

and what are the best ones to use when you have to rebuild. thanks

 

[goodguys75]

thats good, I read some guys that have almost brand new trucks and they have like over 100,000 miles on them already in a very short time... . my 06 only has 66,000 miles so far... . I think it is great, but i guess not running these trucks can be harmful also... ...

 

[Prairie Dog]

you need ball joints allready... my 06 is still tight... what are people doing with these trucks????

I dunno, mine are still very tight at 82K.

 

[GreggNoble]

thanks guys, are the ball joints the same on an 2009 as a 2003?

 

[crispyboy]

I've got 38k on my truck and two different sources say that they are starting to get some play and I should keep my eye on them.

Can someone explain how to properly do the procedure to check them?

I think I read where a dial indicator is needed. I don't own one yet but I guess that another tool on my wish list.

 

[brods]

This was from a online discussion thing with Dodge engineers a while back:

Guest - question on Ram front axles - 2500/3500 front axles had a number of upgrades in 2007, 2010, and 2012 model years; focusing on a number of specific improvements such as knuckles, ball joints, and seals. The Ram team has also increased the durability test length by 50% to make sure the improvements work. Again, the goal is to be best-in-class durability for these systems.

Doesn't really answer if the ball joints on a 2009 have been upgraded from your 2003. Changes cost money so if it ain't broke they don't fix it. That they felt compelled to make "improvements" speaks volumes about that POS AAM axle.



Just throwing this out there: Maybe one reason for such varying ball joint life is road conditions. Anything with slop wears faster as it hammers itself to death. Given the slop these joints have from day one, I could see where guys who drive on decent roads would get much longer life than those who live in areas with beat up roads or dirt roads.

 

[Bob4x4]

The strongest replacement ball joints are from Carli suspension without a doubt. How long the OEMs last will vary by use and tire size

 

[cerberusiam]

thanks guys, are the ball joints the same on an 2009 as a 2003?

According to the Raybestos, the part numbers the for upper and lower ball joinst are the same for 2003-2009 4x4 3500 with a diesel.

Whether the OE joints are any better between the years is a good question. A good guess would be no.

 

[Blackbrush]

I've tried them all (almost). OEM, Moog, XRF and Now Carlis which are rattling at only 40K. I have 315K on the truck and it sees improved off road use less than 1. 5% of the time. I guess I'll try Dynatracs once I decide I can't take more rattling and or tire wear from my Carlis. I've become adept at changing them but it is a hassle nonetheless. I am still on my original hub bearing btw. I force fresh grease through the bearings via the abs hole every time I mess with the brakes, ball joints or axle ujoints.

 

[MChrist]

I've tried them all (almost). OEM, Moog, XRF and Now Carlis which are rattling at only 40K. I have 315K on the truck and it sees improved off road use less than 1. 5% of the time. I guess I'll try Dynatracs once I decide I can't take more rattling and or tire wear from my Carlis. I've become adept at changing them but it is a hassle nonetheless. I am still on my original hub bearing btw. I force fresh grease through the bearings via the abs hole every time I mess with the brakes, ball joints or axle ujoints.

Your Carli's are rattling at 40,000 miles??? Did you pump the red, synthetic grease into them like the instructions say? You have to fill them with grease, then cap off the hole with the grease fitting. Once there, you never add grease, since the ball joints now have an O-Ring, so no grease can escape or be added.