Ball joints 97 ram 1500

[Nathan]

Happy New year.
I have a 97 ram 1500 4×4 and need to change out the ball joints on the driver side and the track bar. The shop quoted me $1500 Canadian!! I picked up the parts and am gonna do it myself. I have never changed ball joints before. Is a ball joint press a must? Or can I get away with using a cheaper tool. The press will cost me $150
Thanks to all who reply.

Topic

[Richard Kirshy]

A ball joint press will make the removal and install a much easier task.
There are presses listed here that should work well for you.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dautomotive&field-keywords=ball+joint+press

https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9212233/00348

https://www.harborfreight.com/ball-joint-service-kit-for-2wd-and-4wd-vehicles-63279.html

[waleed]

Ball joints are important. If they have too much play sometimes they can seperating and caused catastrophic damage, like the wheel separating.

Mind you this is a 97 ram. It may be better to replace the entire control arm, i know of a few places in canada you can get these parts cheap.

[Author]

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