Ball joints were recalled on the 99 or 00 modles, not the 98. I have had my 98 since new and it has 135K on it now.

I just redid my entire front end but it really only needed one bearing hub, an upper balljoint and idler arm.

I have replaced...

Starter
Alternator
Water pump
Heater core
Tailgate - rust
Front bumper - rust

Engine and trans are still going strong, I'm good about 3000 mile oil changes and yearly trans fluid changes.

My evaporator is now leaking and its as big a pain in the [Edited by Moparts - Keep it clean] to change as the heater core, if you need to do one I suggest doing the other.

Listen for a howl from the rear end and if the air is not working it could be that evil evaoporator. You said the front end was done but find out exactly what was changed, at that mileage I'd change the hubs. $2500 is not bad if the body is in decent shape.