Re: Ball joints 12 1500 2wd
[Re: volaredon]
#3252678
08/20/24 02:05 PM
08/20/24 02:05 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,183 north of coder
moparx
"Butt Crack Bob"
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"Butt Crack Bob"
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,183
north of coder
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although i have never done a replacement on the particular vehicle you are asking about, it seems the quality of the bushings used in newer vehicles today almost dictate that when the ball joint wears out, the bushings need replaced at the same time or shortly thereafter. with that said, it is almost always cheaper and quicker to replace the control arm [or both arms] than it is to just replace the bad ball joint, even spending more [hard earned] dollars to do so. just my personal experience doing this stuff when required to do so. your mileage will vary. especially if you need to purchase a ball joint removal/install tool and kit when you don't have or can borrow one, for a job you will only do once........... [even using the "free loaner tool" most local parts stores have, you will usually find they have been used and abused [mostly abused !] by previous "customers", and won't work worth a hoot for you to get your new joint installed correctly.] ![beer beer](/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/custom/beer.gif)
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Re: Ball joints 12 1500 2wd
[Re: volaredon]
#3253952
08/26/24 09:37 PM
08/26/24 09:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,815 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,815
Freeport IL USA
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I agree with you on the "Gen" crap. If you go be the different body changes, my 49 Dodge truck is like Gen 9 or 10. What some want to call a Gen 1 doesn't look anything like a 1917 Dodge truck.
Dodge trucks didn't have a problem with ball joints until the 1972 model year, before that it was usually "king pins" on the beam axles. The 72-93 truck's screw in upper ball joints were a challenge to remove and install. Most after 94 were press in, but some had clip retainers and some didn't. A lot of aftermarket ball joints added clips, rather or not the original ball joints had them or not, so before you start pressing them in, its a great idea to check for clips. I have seen several of the press in ball joints tack welded in after replacement. Bet those are fun to change. I have seen some the guy that replaced the ball joints wasn't happy just adding a few tack welds.
A welded in ball joint on a control arm with bad bushings and a bit of rust on the control arms themselves, are the reasons complete control arms became available. Usually, a ball joint press out kit works well, but a cheap set often doesn't have deep enough sleeves to get the Mopar Ball joints in or out, so you will need the proper sized and length of tubing to get the job done. I'm betting that promotes a lot of complete control arm replacements. The parts store you get the ball joint tool set from doesn't have the correct sleeve, so they can tell you it won't its too muck work to replace the joint, but they can sell you a complete arm for only this much more.
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