2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How to measure ball joints on 2002 4x4

[Hemiless]

I have a 2002 3/4 4x4 that I had new tires put on a couple months ago when I asked to have it aligned by the Tire shop they told me that it would be pointless as my ball joints were wore out. They told me to take it in to the dealer and have them replaced under warranty as I only have 28K on the truck. The fact that they didn't plan to gain any money from this diagnosis (in fact they lost an alignment job because of it) leads me to believe them. Also I've been dealing with this local shop for years.





I took the truck into the dealer to get the ball joints replaced and $45 dollars later they told me that they were still within spec's. All be it worn but still within the spec's. (I don't have the invoice with me so I couldn't tell you exactly what they mic'd them at but I remember it was better then half way worn out . 036??) I would like to know how to mic the ball joints so that I can check them myself. I couldn't find that procedure in my service manual so if anyone knows how could you please pass on your knowledge to me.



What good is a warranty if it won't repair the problem until I've gone through 2 sets of tires.



I guess that's why I'm learning to be my own Warranty Station.

 

[Snow man]

When i worked in the alignment shop,if there was any play at all in the ball joints we replaced them. Not only that,but the play is much more noticeable on the slip plates with IFS suspension,it is very easy to find all the loose front end parts on the plates,as there is literally no friction. ,and you can move the front end freely by hand with the weight of the truck on it. The solid axle trucks are easier to check ,just lift the front end by the axle,and wiggle hard up and down. If you have any play at 28K,Id want new ball joints,you may need to find another dealer... ...

 

[Hemiless]

Snowman trust me I want them replaced but mopar has a ware-out criteria for warranty work on the ball joints. And According to the dealer I'm still within these specs. I did not see them mic the ball joint wear and I was needing to know were to set up the dial indicator so that I could compare my results to theirs.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Set the truck on jsckstands on the AXLE so the suspension is at it's normal compression state supporting the vehicle (Wheels off the ground of course). Mount a dial indicator so the point is resting against the top most portion of the inside part of the rim. With hands at the 12:00 and 6:00 positions rock the wheel assy back and forth taking notes of the measured readings. DO the same on the lower portion of the rim as well to satisfy your #'s