OEM 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Ball Joint

2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Ball Joint Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Ball Joint on the Lower Control Arm on 2004 Dodge Ram 1500?

  A: Start the servicing or repair of the ball joint in the lower control arm by taking off the tire and wheel, then remove the brake caliper and rotor. Remove the tie rod from the steering knuckle and take out the whole knuckle. If the vehicle has halfshafts, push it aside and hold it securely with support. On the lower control arm for HD 4X2 models, take out the snap ring. High pressure lubrication must be used on all threaded sections to improve tool durability and make sure they operate reliably when installing and uninstalling. Use C-4212-F (PRESS), 8698-2 (RECEIVER) and 8698-3 (DRIVER) special tools to press the ball joint located in the lower control arm. For installing, again apply heavy oil to the screw portions of your tools. Set the ball joint into the control arm and push it in with tools C-4212-F, 8698-1 and 8698-3. Connect the joint boot to the ball joint and bores into the flange in four positions around it using a chisel and hammer in cars from the Landline series. Swap the snap ring for HD 4X2 models, then take off the support for the halfshaft and reinstall it if you have it. Install the tie rod end and the steering knuckle into each other. If you have halfshafts, set the nut to 251 Nm (185 ft. lbs.) before placing the brake caliper and rotor and afterward, add the tire and wheel assembly. After that, check how high off the ground the car sits and perform a wheel alignment.