2001 Dodge 1500 ball joints

That's nothing, did you know that you can't just change the tires on it? According to that dealer, you have to replace the wheels too!

Google is your friend, a quick search will give you parts prices. Installation is going to run more.

It makes sense. Part of the ball joint check is looking for play in the control arms. If the control arms aren't worn they can just replace the ball joints. If the wear limits are exceeded on the control arms they should be replaced. If you don't trust the dealer take it to an independent shop for a second opinion.

Dodge only services the ball joints as part of the control arm.

Aftermarket shows the ball joints separately.

get a second opinion from an independent shop that specializes in alignment and front end work. i use moog ball joints when it is necessary. i.e. working on a ford.

i have a 91 2500 with 150k and a 1997 1500 with ~280k on the odo and both are still within spec. if you grease the ball joints properly then they seem to last a long time. same with my dakotas.

if you use the discount zippy oil change services some of them won't grease all of the fittings (if they do any) when you have your vehicle serviced. if they can't see or reach the fitting from the pit, it never sees grease. some of them have to be attacked from above. michael

=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D Mark............ I'm servicing those SAME balljoints every week. fact,not fiction.

A suggestion for you......... find an independent tire shop that will recheck the front end for you while you're watching them do it. If the movement in the balljoints is only minor......and the balljoints are the only concer, ask them to grease the frontend and align the truck. Minor play, either verticle or side, is acceptable if tire wear is not major. That is....it's acceptable to me. Reason ??....even if you do replace those balljoints, they WILL check bad again in about 2-4 years. Fact, not fiction. An independent shop will "likely" use MOOG parts, that is, if they care about the quality of their work. MOOG is the best as far as longevity, but still.......30,000-50,000 miles of bumps and jars reaks havoc on ANY suspension component. Fact, not fiction. The parts may come with a lifetime gaurantee....but the LABOR will not. If the tire wear on your current tires can be attributed to TOE wear, then, your best option would be to save your money for now and align the front end.

Take the cost of replacement tires, and take the cost of the suggested frontend repairs, and take into account the amount of movement and TYPE of wear pattern your getting.........make your decision.

ANY......minor play in balljoints is to be expected with mileage dude... though almost EVERY Front-End Shop.....is going to try to sell them because "theory" and "fact" dictate that angles will NOT hold if any movement is found. My problem with that is.....how much movement is going to cause tire wear and handling problems? (the new joints will have movement..in a couple of years) Toe wear,.....is the MOST PROMINANT cause of tire wear.

~:~ MarshMonster ~takes a toke.......wonders if his kids would rather fer pops truck to have new balljoints......or if his kids would rather go to a few extry movies this year~ ~:~

~:~ MarshMonster ~takes a toke.......wonders if his kids would rather fer pops truck to have new balljoints......or if his kids would rather go to a few extry movies this year~ ~:~

i like a man that understands that a used truck is nothing but a used truck. "out of spec" doesn't necessarily mean unserviceable. if so, most of my vehicles would be in the junk yard. especially the amf harleys... michael

=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D

I love my balljoints...........

but I like my steak even better.

:)

~:~ marsh ~:~

Have ya ever considered putting the mushrooms on the steak?