I need to replace the lower ball joints on my wife's 98 Durango. Does anyone have how to tips? Is this a job for a home mechanic?

Easy job with a ball joint press.Gid mine at the shop in like less than an hour.Just take the brakes off undo the axle nut break the joint loose and do it.Replace the uppers while you are ther/They are even easirer.Make sure the E clip faces into the car when you install it.Rocky

Same on 97 Dakota 2 wheel drivers?

Those look like they're bolted on, not pressed.

if they are bolted, they've been swapped before. factory are riveted on, and can be a real PITA if you're doing it at home. grind the heads of the rivets off, and idealy, use an air chisel to pop them out. otherwise, start pounding with the hammer!

they can be a real pain, but once the old ones are off, the new ones just bolt in.

My 2000 was covered under a recall and that had a salvaged title. Might be worth checking out. In other words mine was easy to do!!!

lowers are pressed in and not covered under any recall ( recall is for the uppers and only on certain years )

Mine weer the easiest Ive ever changed and Ive changed hundreds at work.Those rivets popped with like 3 hits from my air chisel.The new ones bolted it for uppers.The bottoms were easy also.Ill do them all day for what they pay flat rate.Rocky

Guys, thanks for the info, I ordered the Durango in early 98, and the ball joints were never changed. My wife has 131,000 miles on it and she doesn't want to get rid of it. I have both uppers and lowers, I plan the cut the rivets with an air chisel.

Like I said they are easy.Just make sure the clip for lower faces inward.Outward the knuckle hits it and will pop off even though I doubt the joint would ever come out.Rocky

I forgot to say once you have the rotors and all off.Just hang the calipar and take the complete knuckle out.Makes the job real easy.Then slip the 1/2 shaft in amd attach the ball joints after the new ones are in.You will probally be suprised how loose the uppers are.Mine all looked good except one lower.When I pulled them the uppers were sloppy.If you can get TRW they are cheaper than Moog and just as good.Rocky

How does one go about finding out if it's covered under recall?

98 isnt covered.I believe it 00 and up to like 02 or 03.Rocky