2001 Dodge Ram Ball joint replacement

Tiny
CHIMPY81
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 213,900 MILES
How do I change out ball joints? Do I need to drill out the rivet tpe fasteners or what? I have the new ones and they are made to bolt in place of the old ones. Im lost.
Monday, April 6th, 2009 AT 9:25 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Professionals are trained to do this work without destroying other parts. Only the upper ball joints are riveted in. Due to design tolerances, you will need to have the truck aligned after replacing the upper ball joints. No respected mechanic is going to align it without inspecting your work since he is staking his reputation on the outcome, and he knows he will be blamed for any problems that arise later. You are better off letting him replace the ball joints. Each upper one takes about a half hour. The lower ones require a special ball joint press and take from one to one and a half hours each.

The mechanic will also perform a complete inspection before aligning the truck. Any worn parts that prevent holding the wheel and tire in proper position will result in tire wear and handling problems. He knows that aligning a truck with worn parts is a waste of your money.

Caradiodoc
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 AT 10:44 AM

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