2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Suspension Ball Joints

[Alexdring]

A local alignment shop here told my brother, who took his '06 in due to wondering that his ball joints needed replacing. They told him that trucks with the Cummins are lucky to make it to 70k due to the wieght of the motor. Stating that it was about a grand to fix.



After calling around he was told the same by other shops saying be glad you dont own a second generation because its more like 2 grand to fix. :{



Has anyone expierenced this? Ball joints costing 1-2 grand? Any thoughts? If true is there anything that can be done instead of replacing ball joints when you replace tires?

 

[firefighter_2000]

My 99

On my 99 it set me back about 800 including parts to have both front lower ball joints done. If it's a 4x4 it might be a little more. If he's having upper & lower done, could be close to 2 grand. Save a LOT of cash and do it yourself. Just make sure you have the right tools to do it before hand and plenty of time. Im sure someone else can chime in and give a procedure (and probably horror stories) on getting it done. Alsobe sure to specify & use good front end parts. Moog is generally the reccomended brand. If the ball joints are bad, you cant align the front end, which defeats the purpose of spending an ***-load of cash on new tires.

Craig

 

[GCroyle]

Million Mile Warranty

Alexdring,



I do not work for or represent this company in any way shape or form.



I was reading the September 2010 issue of Undercar Digest and they have a 4 page write up on XFR Reduced Friction Chassis Parts, ball joints, control arms and such and in the article the Pres. states it is a Million Mile Warranty, but I do not have details. They have recognized that the Dodge Cummins 4X4 is noted for consuming ball joints.



I have no first hand info, only read the article.



www.xfrchassis.com 877 808 6839



Good luck.

 

[Alexdring]

He is thinking about doing it himself. He is pretty handy with a set of tools and a former mechanic but is new to the CTD. Is there a step by step write up to do this?



GCroyle- I will see if my brother can get a hand on that article.

 

[Mishkaya]

I think member GCroyle is talking about XRF ball joints (they are supposedly excellent). XRF Chassis | Automotive and Heavy Duty Chassis Parts | Canada and Unites States
I have just had a set installed in my '01; and the install did not go without some serious headaches however as everything was completely rusted in place. It took a couple of weekends to get the job done, mainly because of having to wait for parts. Of course I ended up having pretty much everything in the front end replaced and cost is over $1k by now... #@$%!
To add insult to injury, one of the brake lines broke and I ended up having to replace all the brake lines on the truck due to massive corrosion... another two weekends worth of work!

 

[Alexdring]

Mishkaya- Ummmm I think I am going to pretend I didnt see your response, flash backs. That sounds word for word like what happens when I work on any vehicle these days.

 

[JKinney]

I just bought 4 moog ball joints for my rig from rock auto for 230. 00 including shipping, (got the 5% discount deal) My mechanic charged me $300. 00 in labor to install. I had researched the install on here and asked him questions prior to doing the job and he gave me all the right answers. Napa wanted 400 for the same joints.

 

[budnate]

do a search under balljoints in the 3rd gen area grab a soda and read for awhile, oh and read about A/C problems and some other things... if you thought us 2nd gen guys have a raw deal... after reading the 3rd gen posts for awhile you will have a whole new love for your 2nd gen.



Peace, B.

 

[LandShark]

On my 2nd gen it cost a couple hundred in parts and about 5 hours of my time to do the passanger side (upper and lower) at 180,000 miles. The drivers side remains tight at 200,000 miles. I carry a 3400 pound slide-in camper about 2/3 of the time.