Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Lower Ball joints

[larryj]

Lower Ball Joint replacement

I need to replace the lower ball joints on my two wheel drive

98 Model 2500 looked on the top of the ball joint saw a sap ring

What would be the best brand of ball joints to get



How do I go about doing this.

do they press in ,or screwed in what does the snap ring do

I have changed ball joints on brand X trucks But not on the Dodges

 

[TGaines]

On my 96 3500, also 2wd, I changed all four ball joints. They were all pressed in. I just used a ball joint press from a local parts shop and a large pickle fork to separate the spindle from the ball joints. Once they were separated, they pressed right out. Not sure if they changed designs by 98. I just bought Napa ball joints. I have heard that Moog makes greasable joints but I couldn't get them in my area. I also didn't have time to wait for them to be ordered. It took me all day, but it was my first time doing this repair. Just be careful not to overtorque the upper ball joint nuts as they can warp the upper control arms and cause the ball joints to separate while driving.

 

[Texas Diesel]

The snap rings are a failsafe thing. Get a good press and use an impact to tighten the press, the vibrations seem to help. If the press binds, smack the sucker with a heavy hammer. The joints on my 98 were rust welded in place. Just had all four replaced. I got Moog greasable ones at Carquest (along with pitman arm and idler arm )