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Curt
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/11/2002
20:28:15
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 Subject: '00 ball joints, cost???
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Message:
Hi Gals and Guys,
I have a '00 Dak, 4.7 auto etc etc, problem is the upper control arm ball joints are shot, I have 40 k miles and they have been easy miles.
The problem is this, the ball joint cannot be changed, the entire upper a-frame with the ball joint must be changed and only the dealer has the parts!!!!So much for non greased bearings.
And the replacement is also a non greasable part, I wonder how long those will last!
This is the kicker, the cost of ONE unit (control arm with ball joint is $189, just the part, no labor)
The 99 and older was of the changeable ball joint.
Anyone know of anything else or something I am over looking?
The above prices came from 3 different garages and 2 different parts houses.
Curt (TX)
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Fubar512
GenIII
12/11/2002
20:41:42
|  RE: '00 ball joints, cost???
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Message:
Go to a reputable auto parts store, and tell them that you want Moog upper ball joints. If they say that they only list them for '99 and earlier Daks, buy them anyway. They work just fine, and are greasable, to boot.
Also, they are removable. You DO NOT have to buy an upper control arm assembly. Don't fall for DC's BS on that one.
Confucious say: Any man can pee on wall. Be a true hero and crap on ceiling! I've tried being a hero once too often...
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98FlameRdDak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/11/2002
20:49:09
|  RE: '00 ball joints, cost???
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Message:
Fubar is right on the fact that the factory original upper ball joint is removeable.
I went through the same thing you are going through on my 98 Dakota. I used a hand held grinder with a cutting disc to cut through the factory rivots. The new Moogs will have nuts and bolts that will bolt in nicely.
1999 Model year Moogs are interchangeable with the 2000.
Good luck. Should take you an hour each side to remove and reinstall and will run you about 70 bucks a side. Should also mention that the Moogs have grease fittings and should last you more than 40K.
Mark
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Ted
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/11/2002
21:04:43
|  RE: '00 ball joints, cost???
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Message:
What are the symptoms for shot ball joints?
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FredDQC
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/11/2002
21:04:50
| RE: '00 ball joints, cost???
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Message:
I bought mine at O,reilly autoparts for $47 each. go to their website if there is no O'reilly stores in your town. I used a cutting disk and a point and hammer. it only took me 20mins.
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Curt
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/17/2002
19:20:42
| RE: '00 ball joints, cost???
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Message:
UPDATE!!!!!!
I tried Fubar's advice, but the ball joints are different. I bought one to compare, the 99 and earlier are very different, the 3 bolt holes at the top are slightly different, but the major difference was the length, the 99 and older are about 1/2" shorter, no way it would fit in and still be able to get the nut and the cotter pin in.
So the only out was to buy the DC's replacement at $190 each.
Good Luck
Curt
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FredDQC
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/17/2002
20:51:00
|  RE: '00 ball joints, cost???
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Message:
Did you tell them you had a 4x4?
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Curt
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/18/2002
19:44:28
| RE: '00 ball joints, cost???
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Message:
I don't have a 4X4!
'00 4.7, auto, CC, 3.55 LSD, Flowmaster, Homemade air intake and 2 WD.
Curt
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BJ
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/18/2002
21:30:34
| RE: '00 ball joints, cost???
IP: Logged
Message:
Contact Randy Pile at http://www.Worldwideperformanceparts.com he can hook you up with a set of OEM Upper Ball Joints a whole lot cheaper.
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