Hi, I'm looking to purchase new ball joints today for my 1990 D250. I need to know if my truck has the "4,000 lb front axle" or not so I can get the correct ones. How does one go about determining this? Do all diesel Rams have this option? Fast responses appreciated. Thanks!

Wes

 

Yes, you should have the 4K axle, easy way to tell, there should be a "60F" cast into the center section of the front carrier. This axle also has MASSIVE hubs in the center where the lockout are.

 

isnt d250 a 2wd truck

 

"D" should indicate two wheel drive. I believe that all the diesels have the same front "axle" -- I know this is true for the 4x4's. Check the sticker on the door jamb if you still have it -- it will show the gross front axle weight rating.

 

To all: thanks for the replies.

The D is the 2WD. My door jamb sticker says that I have a 3830 lb GVW, so I had always wondered if the "4,000 lb front axle" trucks should indeed say "4,000" exactly on this sticker. 3830 is close, but it's not 4,000. I've ordered wrong parts by mistake before because of this issue, I am hoping to clear it up.

If this was a 4x4 specific rating, then why would parts store computers ask a YES/NO on it right after selecting the truck as a D250 (2wd)? I realize it could be an error, and it does seem silly since there is no "axle" in the front of a 2wd truck, but several parts stores and online parts sites ask this same question for D250s. Strange.

I would think that all Diesel trucks would have the same rating, but these computers at multiple parts stores also "know" that the truck has a 5.9 Diesel before the question is asked.

 

I think yours would be considered the 3800 lb axle or front end. They usually go in 200 lb increments.The tag on my door says 4050 lb front axle rating and is categorized the 4000 lb axle. My truck is a 3500 4x4 dually.

 

Parts store people work off a computer program intended so highly trained people are no longer needed. They ask a lot of redundunt questions but suprisingly they get the right part a lot of the time.

 

yes, you do have the "4000" lb axle, don't mind what the doorjamb says, there are threads on this. If you're still unconvinced, have them cross ref the 3800 and 400 lb part #'s sometimes they're the same # anyway Get these parts, hopefully they sell moog chassis parts where you are buying, servicable ball joints are a good thing

 

I'll make sure to have them check both part numbers. Thanks "cats" for the helpful replies.

I did a search for my item of concern like a good little forum go'er prior to posting this, perhaps someone else will find it of interest and it will be worth the rendundancy.

DJ - I know what you mean, I miss having knowledgeable parts counter folks. They can be found now and then, if you know where to go. I've had very little problem with the ignorant computer people, but then again, I know exactly what I want and what it looks like when I go in there, and sometimes it's fun telling them you have a 1969 Plymouth GTX 440 HP and you need valve cover gaskets (for your 1969 Chrysler Newport rust-bucket's 383 2-bbl).

 

Are moogs worth the extra money? I notice they are amongst the few who don't have a lifetime warranty, yet they are $30 more than TRW's.

I found, through Moog, that the 3000/3300 pound axle and 4000 pound axle are the different choices, so that confirms it.