I've got completely worn out ball joints on the driver's side again - Dodge replaced them 12K ago . Anyone know why this would happen. I'm replaceing them at an independent shop with greaseables. The passenger side is worn too (65Kon these) but not side to side so I want to wait on these until Spring. My question is can I do any other damage say to the axle or u joints by waiting another 5K?

 

no if they are not that bad then you should be fine, BUT if they move too much you will find yourself correcting the steering upon braking witch puts a unwanted side load on your non serviceable bearing assy that costs anywere from 250-375 depending on were you go.

oh and it is not uncomon to wear out ball joints prematurely if they are not mooge joints, buy em and only do it once, i learned the hard way

 

You're allowed .030" of up and down movement of the ball joints before they are "officially" worn out.

 

Guess its "offical".

 

Geeez, mine are approx 1/4" up and down, my front wheels look like this / \

I guess it's time huh

 

here's a bit of info i thought strange:
the upper ball joint on the 1500 2wd is the same as the 3500 2wd.... you would think it would be heavier on the 3500
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-UPP...spagenameZWDVW