I posted this message here a while back
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>Since then I have bought the parts and I plan on doing the job on one
>of the coming weekends, but I am unclear what special tools besides a
>pickle fork I need. I am willing to invest in tools and as this truck
>is my only vehicle, once I have it apart and need to get something, I
>will rely on a friend or two to be on standby and drive me to the
>parts/tool store in case I need something.
>
>Do I need a puller? Do I need a spring compressor? Especially latter
>I am not sure yet how to handle the spring. Also, I plan on drilling
>the original rivets out, just wondering if I will be able to get to
>the upper ones with the drill.
>
>Bottom line, there should be someone amongst the readers here who has
>done this before and can share his experience.
>
>Axel
>
>2000 Dodge Ram 1500 2WD V8 5.9l 135,000 miles
On my dodge van the top ball joint is screwed in and takes one hell of a big socket. IIRC I had to make one.
beekeep