So I need new ball joints and really want to deal with this right now but I can't afford to have the shop do this one. I've never done ball joints, but I've done just about everything else so I know I can do it. But does anyone have any tips or know of any how to diagrams I can use to help me? Also what's a good replacment ball joint for these trucks? I know they go out alot. I don't have the funds at all, so keep that in mind, but I don't want to be doing this again next year. Any input will be much appreciated. Thanks...

Renteria1217's Sig:

1998.5 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 24v Cummins QC/SB. Replaced VP44 with rebuilt, Inline BD fuel pump mounted just outside gas tank ran with OEM lift pump. K&N Cold Air Intake, Stock 3" Straight Pipe.

Do a search for ball joints and you will find way to much good info to even try to add it all in here. It's not a complicated job, just a frustrating knuckle buster of one.

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374.2/846.7 at 30psi

Hey what axle do I have up front?

My truck has a Dana 60 under it up front.

It's not complicated,Like Bubba says just lotsa mangled knuckles if you ain't careful

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01.5 Ram 3500,NV5600,2000 engine RV275 Injectors,4" MBRP,Fuel boss,425k
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You may want to think about replacing ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar ,at the same time if they are needed. MOOG or dynatec seem to be the best ones. This is almost the most hardest thing to do on the truck.Be careful with the axle seals if it is a 4 wheel drive.Good luck and take your time

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Almost the hardest thing to do on the truck? That sucks! It's got to be easier than the injection pump and all that bs. I had to fix that myself 3 days after purchasing the damn thing. Couldn't afford to pay labor on top of parts. That was not fun. Hope this "investment" of a truck pays off. Damn! Thanks fellas...

I had to have a torch on hand to heat up the ball joints Sorry.The fun stopped with taking the wheel off . You may want to get help

If you have any specific questions be sure to ask away. Be sure to use the socket trick to break them lose and use anti-sieze on the new stuff so you won't have to fight so hard the next time.

And definitely as was said before check everything out and replace all you can while your in there. Sucks to do this and then the next month have to pull it all apart again to change somethin else. Check your wheel bearings, rotors, U-joints to be sure they aren't gonna go sometime soon. I did em all at the same time when i pulled mine last time.

You can take these to the local machine shop or service center and for a few bucks they will push em out for ya. I used an air chisel, BFH and a hand press with a lot a cussin managed to get it done like that. The hand presses can be rented from Auto Zone or the like for nothin but a deposit.

I know that money gets tight with everybody but when I did mine Renteria1217 I did the whole front end. You may want to buy it piece buy piece.Just like uncle bubba said it more painful to have to pull it apart many times or just do it once.

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Oh yes lots of cussing , I had 2 presses and blowed the seals in the one, Not a job I want to do agian. I had to wiss wheel the drive side bottom off . Replacing trans is much easier.

this happened wih my 3rd gen once i got in there needed a new tie rod end unit B/spindle an i destroyed a rented auto zone ball joint press but they took it back and gave me my deposit all i can say is..... its a bit(h to do. dont get the adjustable upper ones. once they are set they dont adjust and you need to set them up within spec and without alignment equipt its a crap shoot

Wish Dynatrac had there new ball joints out when i needed them...

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Hey thanks for all the posts. Yeah I'll check everything while I'm at it. I figured the same thing turbo20. We'll see what's bad and we'll see if I can afford to fix it. The ball joints were about $240 for all 4. Just spent $ on shocks and a new tire too. Pretty tapped out. I'm starting the ball joints today. I ended up buying Moog upper and lower. Are these moog uppers adjustable? Hope not. Also anyone know of any step by step guides. Tried that website you sent me too uncle Bubba and can't find any guides.

i have moog too

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I did mine last year they are not fun, get a ball joint press that makes it alot better pb blast the living sh&* out of them, drive around get it to soak up a bit, im trying to find the web site to help you out????
moog arent adjustable just throw them in

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