Ball joint install
10-10-2009, 05:11 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: High Desert, So. Calif.
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ball joint install
Looking to replace the lower ball joints on my 96 2wd and was wondering if someone can give me a few tips. I'm guessing jack up the lower control arm, remove rotor assembly, then do you take the upper ball joint nut off, then the lower ball joint nut? I was getting ready to start this and was looking at that spring, if that thing comes out it'll take my head off! Just trying to get a heads up (no pun intended) and be safe doing this.
Kevin
Kevin
10-11-2009, 01:14 AM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Edmonton Alberta
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jack the truck up put jack stands under frame. remove wheels,
put jack under lower control arm and jack up lifting high enough to compress spring a little but not high enough to lift truck off jack stands. spring should be safe as shock acts as final link between lower control arm and frame. (still use caution and common sense!)
remove caliper and set to one side or lock wire it to the frame, dont let it hang down.
remove both upper & lower BJ nuts
hit where the tapered part of the ball joint goes in the spindle, dont be gentle, hit it hard, spindle/control arm should release from ball joints (do upper first)
remove BJ, reverse process.
I've not done a 2wd Dodge truck, but can't count the number of BJ's I've replaced over the yrs, so directions are not specific
put jack under lower control arm and jack up lifting high enough to compress spring a little but not high enough to lift truck off jack stands. spring should be safe as shock acts as final link between lower control arm and frame. (still use caution and common sense!)
remove caliper and set to one side or lock wire it to the frame, dont let it hang down.
remove both upper & lower BJ nuts
hit where the tapered part of the ball joint goes in the spindle, dont be gentle, hit it hard, spindle/control arm should release from ball joints (do upper first)
remove BJ, reverse process.
I've not done a 2wd Dodge truck, but can't count the number of BJ's I've replaced over the yrs, so directions are not specific
10-11-2009, 12:32 PM
#4
The lowers are welded to the A arm in 2 places. You need to grind the welds away with a small air grinder/cutter before you press them out. If you don't grind the welds you will screw up the ball joint seats in the arm. There is also a snap ring that has to be removed from the ball joint before removal.
Tack the new ones back like before because the snap ring does not come near to holding them in place. Just a last resort safety.
Tack the new ones back like before because the snap ring does not come near to holding them in place. Just a last resort safety.
10-11-2009, 02:49 PM
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: High Desert, So. Calif.
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jack the truck up put jack stands under frame. remove wheels,
put jack under lower control arm and jack up lifting high enough to compress spring a little but not high enough to lift truck off jack stands. spring should be safe as shock acts as final link between lower control arm and frame. (still use caution and common sense!)
remove caliper and set to one side or lock wire it to the frame, dont let it hang down.
remove both upper & lower BJ nuts
hit where the tapered part of the ball joint goes in the spindle, dont be gentle, hit it hard, spindle/control arm should release from ball joints (do upper first)
remove BJ, reverse process.
I've not done a 2wd Dodge truck, but can't count the number of BJ's I've replaced over the yrs, so directions are not specific
put jack under lower control arm and jack up lifting high enough to compress spring a little but not high enough to lift truck off jack stands. spring should be safe as shock acts as final link between lower control arm and frame. (still use caution and common sense!)
remove caliper and set to one side or lock wire it to the frame, dont let it hang down.
remove both upper & lower BJ nuts
hit where the tapered part of the ball joint goes in the spindle, dont be gentle, hit it hard, spindle/control arm should release from ball joints (do upper first)
remove BJ, reverse process.
I've not done a 2wd Dodge truck, but can't count the number of BJ's I've replaced over the yrs, so directions are not specific
The lowers are welded to the A arm in 2 places. You need to grind the welds away with a small air grinder/cutter before you press them out. If you don't grind the welds you will screw up the ball joint seats in the arm. There is also a snap ring that has to be removed from the ball joint before removal.
Tack the new ones back like before because the snap ring does not come near to holding them in place. Just a last resort safety.
Tack the new ones back like before because the snap ring does not come near to holding them in place. Just a last resort safety.
Dgugu, I think the joint your talking about is the one that you have to change out the whole control arm to replace the joint, mine just had a snap ring and I rented the ball joint press from autozone, press it out, press it in. Hey I'm an expert now.
You can't beat these forums for all the help. Thanks again. Kevin
10-13-2009, 08:50 AM
#7
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: High Desert, So. Calif.
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It only took maybe an hour, that's taking the wheel off, and putting it on jack stands. I notice yours is a 4x4, mine is 2wd, I don't know how much difference there is.
Kevin
Kevin
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
72dart
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
3
06-19-2012 10:42 PM
Wulzcat
12 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
1
12-19-2009 05:15 PM
wcbcruzer
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
22
04-30-2008 06:58 PM
FDC
24 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
2
07-16-2007 12:51 PM
Treangen
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
4
05-07-2007 03:10 PM
