04ctd

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

Dieselbuilder

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

2002-5.9

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.

GSP7

Moogs wear out fast

SIXSLUG

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

Read this

2002-5.9

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.

Danderson

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.

BILTIT

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