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NDTracer
Dodge Dakota
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3/23/2006
12:08:36
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 Subject: 96 4x4 ball joints
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Message:
Well I have taken my truck in to two different places and both say I need to replace the upper and lower ball joints on the 96 4x4 (318). The one also said the wheel bearings where the other said they were fine but said the pitman needed to be replaced.
Now my question where is a good spot to buy the ball joints and a pitman? I think I can assume the joints are bad but how can I tell about the pitman and wheel bearings to verify this conflict?
How tough of a repair is this (1 easy like oil change, 10 tough like replacing motor/tranny). Also what types of tools are needed besides jack and basic tools?
Thanks
Clint
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NDTracer
Dodge Dakota
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3/24/2006
11:40:20
| RE: 96 4x4 ball joints
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Has this been asked to many times that I am not getting a response? I have searched and all the tread links I opened were to the Gen III and I figured Gen II are different.
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other bill
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2006
12:02:34
| RE: 96 4x4 ball joints
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The parts can be bought at any parts store. Places such as Advance Auto Parts provide "Free" loaner tools. That is the specialty tools.
You will need a "pitman arm puller" to get the old pitman arm off. You will need the proper sized wrench or socket to turn the puller. I also had to use a small (2lb) sledge hammer and a pry bar to get it to break free from the shaft that comes out of the steering box. I applied pressure with the puller then hit the side of the pitman arm to get it to break free from the shaft.
You will need a "specially designed socket" to get the upper ball joints out. They screw in from the top. I had a hell of a time getting those to break free as well.
I did not need to replace my lower ball joints, so I don't know what is needed on those, but if it is another special tool, they will have it.
Scale of 1-10? 3-5 depending on how long you have to work at getting them broke free.
Hope this helps
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NDTracer
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2006
15:06:07
| RE: 96 4x4 ball joints
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Message:
Thanks I was planning on going to CarQuest, AutoZone and the like this weekend to check out their prices but didn't make it. Thanks alot. So how long did it take you?
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Terry
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2006
19:57:56
| RE: 96 4x4 ball joints
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Message:
I replaced the upper ball joints on my '92 4x4 last fall, and they were a real bearcat to break loose. Other Bill's right - you need a big socket (read "specialty tool") and a serious bar. I had a 3' breaker bar on the socket, and a 5' pipe on the bar, and me on the pipe. I weigh about 210 lbs., and I almost yanked the truck off the jackstands before the joint broke loose.
Something to watch for: When I installed the new joint on one side, I felt it just barely start to spin as I snugged it down. I quit at that point, and put everything back together. Bad idea. Within 100 miles, the joint had started to work its way out, and I found that the threads in the upper control arm had stripped. I took it to a shop and had everything done right. Fortunately I was able to get a control arm from a wrecker.
Anyway, what I'm saying is that those rascals can be a pain. Sometimes its worth it to pay for a shop to do the job. Hope that helps.
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