Tow Vehicle repairs

[tdw6974]

Took the truck into local dealer for routine service and PA Inspection. Seems that the Ball joints need replacing for inspection, Too Much play/slop. 56,000 miles There goes a set of tires for the race car. Question Anyone know of Ball Joints that have grease fittings? 2005 Dodge 2500 HD Deisel 4wd Diesel. Seems Like manufactures could build basic parts that last longer . Wonder if I bitche to Chrysler if it would do any good? Apparently common as they have the ball joints in stock. T Weaver

[backformore]

This is no real help, but when I recently had the ball joints replaced on my Burb, I asked my mechanic if I needed to spend more for "better" ball joints or just go with the standard ones. He said "just go with the standard ones they are pretty good. If it was a Dodge, I'd tell you to get the better ones because the standard ones are crap."

I guess I'm saying no surprise they only lasted 56K and I'd get the best ones possible to replace them.

[JeffYoung]

If you check out the Ram/Cummins forums, you'll see this is a standard wear item. Unfortunate, but true.

Took the truck into local dealer for routine service and PA Inspection. Seems that the Ball joints need replacing for inspection, Too Much play/slop. 56,000 miles There goes a set of tires for the race car. Question Anyone know of Ball Joints that have grease fittings? 2005 Dodge 2500 HD Deisel 4wd Diesel. Seems Like manufactures could build basic parts that last longer . Wonder if I bitche to Chrysler if it would do any good? Apparently common as they have the ball joints in stock. T Weaver

[racer240sx]

I would take to another shop for a second opinion. I own a shop and work at the dealers is not very good now. Go to a shop you can trust. I would ask around for a shop in your area from other racers.

[tdw6974]

Plan on Taking to a shop that son-in-law works at a sales manager they have a good repair dept. Have an Auto parts store insured and they carry MOOG that have grease fittings. Did talk with friend that has same truck and they have done everything at least one although he does admit to using it hard, plows with it etc. I guess I wouldn't mind so much if I beat the crap out of it.

[dickita15]

I am in the same boat with my 05 2500 hemi. Dealer quoted me $900 for two upper ball joints at 50,000 miles.

[tdw6974]

I am in the same boat with my 05 2500 hemi. Dealer quoted me $900 for two upper ball joints at 50,000 miles.

Hmmm! Quote here was 915 upper and lower. Looked at Advance Auto for Moog Joints uppers are 126.00 each lower 88.00 each. Will further investigate Monday. T

[tdw6974]

Well the replacements are done. Used the Moog "Limited Lifetime warranty" Ball joints. Upper BallJoints were 274.00 and Lower Ball Joints 170.00. The Upper Ball Joints are adjustable so as they are installed the shop sets alignment. The installation is complex the shop I had do the work maintains a fleet of service vehicles for a local medical center. Included are 5 dodge 4wd vehicles so they have done the repair numerous times. Total Labor was 325.00 so was not cheap. The Moog joints have grease fittings so to me that should help. . T Weaver

[lateapex911]

Ball joints at 50K miles?? wow. That sucks.

[Dano77]

325 divided by say 75 an hour gives the shop 4.3 hours to install uppers and lowers and align as they install the ball joints. sounds pretty cheap to me,but Im a bitter auto tech at a dealer. Just kidding you made the right choice with the greasable ball joints. You should find that the steering dosent feel as stiff over time also and gets freer(is that a word) after a LOF. does the truck wonder on the highway? Were installing a chassis piece on one of our trucks that ties the frt frame horns together and also ties in the pitman arm with a bearing.
Dick call me about your truck we may be able to fix it for less if you didnt already doit.

[lateapex911]

325 divided by say 75 an hour gives the shop 4.3 hours to install uppers and lowers and align as they install the ball joints. sounds pretty cheap to me,

I was thinking the same thing. It'd take me a full day I bet.

does the truck wonder on the highway?

Of course it does! We never tell the truck where we're going.....

[tom_sprecher]

Ball joints at 50K miles? That is just BS. I just replaced the original tires on my '04 F250 at 101k miles with the same exact tire.