04.5 with 75,000 miles. Been having some popping when turning both left and right, as well as some clunking when going straight(which is only audible when travelling at low speeds). According to some of the other guys on here, when I jacked up the truck and tried to find play in the wheel it corresponded with tie rod wear. No big deal. When i took it in today the mechanic told me the upper ball were mostly shot and could probably get the lowers when he while he was in there. The truck pulls to the right, but he said they majority of the play was in the driver side wheel. He said the tie rods were fine, and that model were very difficult to wear out. Priced ball joints from the dealer, (which were incredibly high) and moog, saying that the moog were the best available option. Also said the u-joints in the left front 4x4 assy were dry and rusted, but woould have to get a better look once he was in there getting the ball joints. Total estimate(uppers/lowers/ujoint/parts/labor) basically worst case scenario would be $1100. Im going to the shop at lunch so he can show me the problems. Anything in particular I should look for to determine the validity of the estimate? Any info is greatly appreciated

 

I had mine in a couple of weeks ago ball joints both upper and lower 1300 i said nope ill do it myself. I bought Moog parts rented the tool from advance and did it in my driveway.

 

oh parts were 260 total I saved $1,040 by doing it myself.

 

i have read too many horror stories on this forum about replacing the ball joints, and lack an adequate working space to attempt this repair. So i guess Im up the river???

 

no its a long job but very easy, believe me i was temped to pay to have it done and now that its done and i still have alot of money in the bank Im happy

 

just got a call from the dealer, truck was in getting the cam positoning sensor replaced(but they don't have one in stock!) and they say I need upper and lower ball joints soon! Truck drives fine, no weird tire wear and they want $1700 to do it! I said no thanks, I can get done cheaper either by a buddy of mine or my self.

 

It seems that people with lots of money use Carli uppers and Moog lowers. The Carli are suppose to be the best you can buy but they are around $500 and they are suppose to last for the life of the truck or maybe the life of the driver--I'm not sure which.
Jay

 

That's exactly why I went with Carli uppers and Moog lowers--so I never have to change them again. I just wish Carli would have had lowers in production when I changed out the ball joints.

 

Yeah, when you like at the labor charge for changing out your ball joints (assuming you don't want to do it yourself), the Carli's can pay for themselves pretty quick!

 

My brother in law ( mechanic) has a ball joint press by Snap On, that make ball joint removal/install a piece of cake! Works off a impact gun. He did uppers, lowers, control arm, idler arm and tie rods on my old 98 Dakota in about 4 hours!

 

Carli has the Best ***** in Town! Joints that Is!