Well, seems every time I go out of town, the wife has problems with the truck. The problem was (still is) the starter or starter silonid seems to intermittently not engage the starter. Batteries replaced 2 months ago and if you try a few times, it will finally engage. Anyway, the wife took it to the local mechanic to check out the starter and all was well when the diagnostic machine was hooked up. But low and behold, they stated my left lower ball joint was bad and needed replacement. They also stated if they change one side, they should change both. That added to a replacement of the Block heater (I knew this was bad and have plans on replacing it) brought the estimate to $650.00. This sounds really high to me. I don't even know if this included an alignment as the wife got the estimate. I think they saw her coming personally.

Enough background. Question is does anyone know how much the ball joints cost and how hard it would be for the backyard mechanic to replace? I know I'd have to get it aligned afterwards. I have done ball joints on other vehicles but not the Ram before. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

Forgot to say, the starter replacement wasn't included in the estimate. That problem has already resurfaced since she left the mechanic.

 

starter sounds like the contacts which is a common problem and an easy fix copper washer contacts maybe do a search on starter contact

good luck

 

Jaconst THANKS Found the thread on starter contacts and WOW, I experienced the running after the key was turned off and now the intermittent starting. I'll definitely replace those contacts as my first plan of attack. I'll tell you I've learned more about my Diesel here in two months than I had since I bought it. Thanks to you and all the other great members. . I had thought I'd have to replace the starter. Now onto the ball joints.

 

I did my Ball joints a few weekends ago. I did a few detailed write-ups on how it went and what tools and tricks were needed. If you cant find them, PM me and i can help you out. I would say an entire saturday should be set aside for the job and an extra set of hands as well. A c-clamp style BJ press is needed. I got my ball-joints from Napa for $32 a piece with grease zerks. Others say to use Moog Joints which are a high quality unit, but cost more. Its your choice.
PS: I did my starter contacts a few months ago, piece of CAKE!! Easier than i thought it would be. All you NEED is a set of !!12!! point sockets for the starter bolts and an extention to reach the top bolt. Common tools will do the rest and of course you need to order new contacts. I used Larry B's contacts.

 

The starters themselves are pretty much bullet proof on those truck but the solenoids do need rebuilding which isnt a big deal.

Get that fixed and your problems should be solved.


Jason

 

Thanks Everyone. Took the advice and got the contact kit (around $41.00 verses over $250 for a starter) from Larry B. They came in the mail today (ordered them 4 days ago) and were on the truck in less than an hour with no skinned knuckles If you hadn't infomed me, I'd have replaced the whole starter. Didn't think about the digital camera till after the fact but will remember next time. This Forum is FANTASTIC!