96 Dakota ball joints
#1417986
04/11/13 12:35 AM
04/11/13 12:35 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,384 Worst Weather USA
493_DART
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,384
Worst Weather USA
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Preparing for the fight of changing the ball joints on my 96 . All ball joints are in the freezer this week.....going to rent the tool kit from Oreilly soon. Ive been oiling the crap out of everything in advance... So--these are press in type. Im looking for any tricks you might have to make the fight easier On the upper---can I change it without taking the upper A arm off the truck ?? The lower-- can it be done without removing the lower ca ? Ive got some 4 ft pipe ready for leverage...and a torch...
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Re: 96 Dakota ball joints
[Re: 493_DART]
#1417987
04/11/13 06:58 AM
04/11/13 06:58 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,064 Niles , Ohio
therocks
oh wait.but hey.lets see.oh yeah.
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oh wait.but hey.lets see.oh yeah.
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,064
Niles , Ohio
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If they are like my 99 Durango they can be done without R&R ing the arms.I use a ball joint press and my good impact.I remove the knuckle to get more room.I know my lowers you have to check the snapring for clearance.I did all 4 at the shop in about 1/1/2 hours.Did the ones on my kids 83 Ram in the drive in about 2 hours. Rocky
Chrysler Firepower
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Re: 96 Dakota ball joints
[Re: 493_DART]
#1417989
04/11/13 05:31 PM
04/11/13 05:31 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325 Truckville, the capital of NY
85_Ram_4speed
master
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master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325
Truckville, the capital of NY
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Hopefully the pressing tool has all the right adapters and make sure they start straight. Also, you do know the uppers are screwed in--right? Make sure you get the socket for it, and be just as careful making sure they go in straight. I used a 1/2" breaker bar and a long pipe to get them unscrewed, switched to a ratchet when they broke loose.
BTW, a LITTLE heat will help, you just want enough to help break things free, but honestly, I never used heat on any B/joints I have done.
Outcast Dodge guy.
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Re: 96 Dakota ball joints
[Re: 493_DART]
#1417991
04/12/13 01:30 PM
04/12/13 01:30 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 637 SoMd, USA
135sohc
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 637
SoMd, USA
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Quote:
are you sure the uppers are screwed in ??? everyone ive talked to said they press in.
the look like they have "ridges" not angled threads...
There not a true 'thread' say like a bolt but yes they are supposed to be threaded in until they bottom out. FWIW when I changed the uppers/lowers on my B-van I managed to unthread the uppers and after fighting with the replacements I said F-it and just pressed the new threaded ones into the arm and called it done. Right or wrong I dont know, havnt fallen out yet.
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Re: 96 Dakota ball joints
[Re: 493_DART]
#1417993
04/13/13 12:38 AM
04/13/13 12:38 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,384 Worst Weather USA
493_DART
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Worst Weather USA
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Rented the press tool kit. Cant even budge the 1st lower. 5' of pipe/breaker ...heated with torch...etc... Im throwing in the towel. F this. Im throwing on the new tie rods and calling it good. 96 Dakota ball joints for sale -- brand new !
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Re: 96 Dakota ball joints
[Re: 493_DART]
#1417995
04/13/13 08:17 AM
04/13/13 08:17 AM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325 Truckville, the capital of NY
85_Ram_4speed
master
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master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325
Truckville, the capital of NY
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WOW, Thats it!? I hope the ball joints weren't real bad then. I have had to deal with a broken ball joint and trying to recover the vehicle to get it home. It sucked. Good luck though, I hope they never fail on you and hurt yourself or someone around you.
Outcast Dodge guy.
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Re: 96 Dakota ball joints
[Re: 85_Ram_4speed]
#1417996
04/14/13 12:16 AM
04/14/13 12:16 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,384 Worst Weather USA
493_DART
OP
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,384
Worst Weather USA
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Quote:
WOW, Thats it!? I hope the ball joints weren't real bad then. I have had to deal with a broken ball joint and trying to recover the vehicle to get it home. It sucked. Good luck though, I hope they never fail on you and hurt yourself or someone around you.
and what do you expect me to do?? break my breaker bar ? You are welcome to come over and try to break these loose !!
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Re: 96 Dakota ball joints
[Re: hp383]
#1417999
04/14/13 05:35 PM
04/14/13 05:35 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,064 Iowa
76dodgeboy
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,064
Iowa
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