I have looked on past threads about ball joints. It apears that the ball joint issue was on the 03/04's. Has this issue been resolved on the 04.5/05's or does anyone know? Would like to know what to look for and how often.

 

they replaced mine in November 04, the dealer said they were still the same. there has been no axle change for 05 so they are most likely the same joints.

 

Mine seem sloppy. My dealer is going to measure them Wednesday. I'm curious to see what they find at 35,787 miles.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but I thought the ball joint issue was on the Darango and the Dakota? Please let me know if it has been up graded to all dodge trucks.


Thanks,

Bryan

 

The "official" issue was with the Durango and Dakota. There are a LOT of people, however, with RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks that have had them go bad as early as 2 and 3 thousand miles.

 

dsteinke,

Let us know what your dealer finds on the ball joints. I have 31K on mine, wonder if it is a good idea to have them checked before the warentee runs out.

 

I just had mine into a shop today for an alignment. Experienced death wooble over the holidays. Shop told me they can't align it because ball joints are bad and the tie rod ends. I have 54000 miles on the truck with 2 inch spacers and 315 tires.

 

My left upper and lower ball joints were shot at 61,000. Had them replaced and front end aligned. The left side was like new... go figure. Anyway I would highly recommend you guys still within your 3yr./36k warranty get these checked. It is not covered under 7/70 drivetrain warranty

 

My ball joints are SHOT!! Does anyone know what the dealer charges for this?
Thanks

 

I friend of mine got his 02 4X4 quoted by the dealer about a month ago was like $700.00 or $750.00. Him and I did it ourselves $300.00 for Moog ball joints (all four) and rented a press for no charge. Took a better part of a day to complete, but worth saving $400.00 in labor cost. The lowers were a PITA to get out.

 

Mine cost $340.00 and change for upper and lower on drivers side only. Also an alignment was included in that figure (not at a DC dealer, But a good front end shop/tire dealer). After thinking about it, I'm wondering if the death wobble I had three times did the ball joints in. The left front wheel felt like it was traveling into the suspension stops at about three times a second when it happened. It was so violent I would'nt doubt if it damaged the left ball joints . The right side ball joints were like new. Anyway I did away with my Revtek spacers after the studs started breaking off and went with superlift 2.5" springs and bilstien shocks. So far no more death wobble. The truck seems much more stable with the new shocks. Dont mean to ramble, just food for thought.

 

Mine were wasted by 35k miles. The dealer replaced one complete set of upeprs and lowers on both sides and sent it out for an alignment. The shop called back and told the delaer to pick it up as they couldn't align it due to the ball joints being out of spec.....these were brand new fellas and driven less than 10 miles!! The delaer put another complete set in and the shop finally aligned it right. The delaer told me that STAR suggested running a lower psi in the front tires to help soften the blow to the joints....especially since i live off of miles of gravel. Anyhow, instead of running 70-80 psi, I now run ~62-65 psi and it does seem to be a lot smoother of a ride. I'm curious to see how long these joints last with the band aid fix I'm using??? I also has U joints go out at 34k miles, no good reason why they don't use greasable joints on these trucks.

 

the ball joints on my 03 were all bad at 33000 miles. didn't feel bad at all, but would not pass the yearly state inspection. dealer replaced all FOUR UNDER WARRANTY. WAS A 600 PLUS DOLLAR JOB. I SUGGEST all owners have their truck chrcked out before you turn 36000. still love the truck!!!

 

70 to 80 psi front tires! bet it does ride smoother now.

 

What are the specs on the ball joints in terms of play allowed?

Casey