Moog Ball Joint K7394: "By Design The Stud Does Not Articulate"
 

what exactly does that mean?

"Ball Joint Front Upper; 4 Wheel Drive; By Design The Stud Does Not Articulate, It Only Spins, Up And Down Movement Is Normal; Problem Solver: Includes Powdered-Metal Gusher Bearing To Allow Grease To Penetrate Bearing Surfaces"

and which MOOG Part Number are you guys installing,that is failing in a few years?

https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/sus...D&q=ball+joint


NAPA has several to choose from, which is best, the
PCC 104295 "NAPA Proformer Chassis" for $42, or the
NCP 2601547 "NAPA Chassis Parts" for $97?

https://www.napaonline.com/en/search...SC&indices=API


in other words, what is the best Ball Joint I can buy locally TODAY and get it safe to driive?

2001 2500 4x4

Looks like "Proformer" is their cheaper eqpt, they have track bars from $85 to $450

https://www.napaonline.com/en/search..._form-savedveh

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PCQDS1413
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/RPC28444

Stick with spicer Dana Spicer 708047 Ball Joint Set fits Dodge RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 from 2000 to 2002 with DANA 60 Front

Yes, the upper ball joint only moves up and down and rotates. It does not swivel like the lower one or most other ball joints. As far as brand, I went with XRF but hear good about Moog too. I would avoid the big box store brand replacements.

Moogs wear out fast

Which Dodge Ram Ball Joint Should You Buy? ? Geno's Garage

Read this

Yea, but have you priced Carli's or Dynatrac's? Ouch. I have Dynatrac hubs and the quality is excellent but I wasn't ready to bust lose for their ball joints.

It's a very labor intensive job. You only want to do it once.
I've had Dynatrac's for a couple of years now.

These are your best bet, as good or better quality than dynatrac/carli and lower price. Tension/wear adjustable and rebuildable in truck.

https://emfballjoints.com/collections/dodge-ball-joints