1997 Dodge Ram ball foints, a-frame

KDOG52

MEMBER
1997 DODGE RAM

Suspension problem
1997 Dodge Ram V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I just replaced all 4 ball joints on my 97 ram 1500 pu last week. The left upper has popped out of the a-frame. Twice. I had to replace the first new joint because I had to fork it out of the spindle and tore up the boot. Now the second one has popped out. What would cause this and what can I do to prevent it from happening again? I only have about 20 miles on the joints. Thanks.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Factory ball joints do not have a retainer clip, but the replacement ones do. Did you properly install the retainer clip? Was any damage done to the A-arm when removing the original one? Finally, are you sure it was the correct size / ball joint?

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, April 23rd, 2010 AT 8:44 PM

KDOG52

MEMBER
1 POST

The lower joints had a lock ring on the top of the joint, as did the replacements. The uppers did not. Dont see how I could have damaged the arm. I used a press from the parts store. Thats some pretty hard steel. I've wondered about the size of the joint though. The right side has stayed in. I just assumed they were the same, although it is possible they gave me the wrong part. Thanks for your input.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, April 25th, 2010 AT 8:49 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Return it and ask for a different one to see if it is tight going in. Also, I'm thinking there should be a c-clip (retainer) that holds it in place. Double check that and let me know what you find.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, April 26th, 2010 AT 10:45 AM