At 45,000 miles I learned the front lower ball joints on this 2006 Dodge diesel pickup were shot and needed to be replaced and about $1,400 later I thought I was good to go. But now, at 63,000 miles I am informed they are "a little loose" and under suspicion once again. After a little research I discovered this is a chronic problem with Dodge pickups 2003 and newer allegedly because "the front end is too heavy". I was just about to purchase a slide-in camper for this truck but can't see any point in doing that if I am going to be buying expensive new ball joints every few years. I have never driven this truck off road or abused it in any way and in fact have been very conscientious about all maintenance. Furthermore I thoroughly trust my mechanic. Is it time to replace this truck, or can someone recommend a more durable fix?

Funny I have 143K and still riding on the OE lower ball joints. I did replace the uppers at 100K or so and bought the lowers but found they are tight and still tight. My bet is your truck is a 4X4? Ford, GM and all the rest have the same issues, junk outside venders.Don

Mine failed at 95000 miles.(2005 ram 3500 CTD 4x4) My mech. replaced them with upgraded joints and all is well. Think I paid around $800 bucks but that included a full service as well. Shop around for a good shop. I sure wouldn't get rid of my rig because of that.Good luck to you

"junk outside venders."No truer words have ever been spoken. When someone finds me a good part source let me know. Even some OEM is junk. :M

The problem is many or most techs that inspect them don't know what they're doing. Some directional movement is normal and comes that way at the factory but guys say it's lose and replace them. FWIW, some extreme off-roaders often like them a lot because even though they will wear with hard use, they won't break.At 87K mine are still well within factory specs. I suspect that unless you were having driveability problems, noises or tire wear issues your BJ's were still fine.BTW, a reputable shop told me they don't see any more Dodges than Fords or Chevs.

What brand ball joints did you buy? There is quality aftermarket parts that will end the issue. At $1400 dollars I suspect you went to a Dodge dealer.

2006 Dodge Diesel Pickup Ball Joint Problems | Good Sam Community

Perrysburg_Dodg
Explorer
Oct 18, 2013
Funny I have 143K and still riding on the OE lower ball joints. I did replace the uppers at 100K or so and bought the lowers but found they are tight and still tight.

My bet is your truck is a 4X4? Ford, GM and all the rest have the same issues, junk outside venders.

Don
trucker495
Explorer
Oct 18, 2013
Mine failed at 95000 miles.(2005 ram 3500 CTD 4x4) My mech. replaced them with upgraded joints and all is well. Think I paid around $800 bucks but that included a full service as well. Shop around for a good shop. I sure wouldn't get rid of my rig because of that.
Good luck to you
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Oct 18, 2013
"junk outside venders."

No truer words have ever been spoken. When someone finds me a good part source let me know. Even some OEM is junk. :M
ScottG
Nomad
Oct 18, 2013
The problem is many or most techs that inspect them don't know what they're doing. Some directional movement is normal and comes that way at the factory but guys say it's lose and replace them. FWIW, some extreme off-roaders often like them a lot because even though they will wear with hard use, they won't break.
At 87K mine are still well within factory specs. I suspect that unless you were having driveability problems, noises or tire wear issues your BJ's were still fine.

BTW, a reputable shop told me they don't see any more Dodges than Fords or Chevs.
donn0128
Explorer II
Oct 18, 2013
What brand ball joints did you buy? There is quality aftermarket parts that will end the issue. At $1400 dollars I suspect you went to a Dodge dealer.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Oct 19, 2013
Some of the tire store chains use a "different" set of specs to measure ball joint wear. Good profit in these repairs. I would for sure get a second opinion at a real front end shop before I spent any money...

B.O.
Perrysburg_Dodg
Explorer
Oct 19, 2013
There was a company here in Toledo called Flow-From. They made ball joint and tie rod end bodies for Moog, TRW, and a few off brands as well. They ran seven days a week three shifts and closed up do to the companies wanting lower cost per unit every time their contracts came up. I was told that the work went to China so you get what you pay for.

BTW Chrysler and Ford uses TRW and GM uses Moog last I knew.

Don
dadwolf2
Explorer
Oct 19, 2013
I too am curious what brand of ball joints you went with? I haven't heard anything good about Moog bj's. The are good and bad aftermarket ball joints. At only 18,000 miles on the joints something else is not right and it sounds like the person/place who is telling you they are bad.

For what it's worth, a truck camper or slide-in camper isn't going to change the weight much on the front and there are lots of truck campers with Dodge trucks including mine.

I would get Dynatrac ball joints myself.
ScottG
Nomad
Oct 19, 2013
dadwolf2 wrote:

I would get Dynatrac ball joints myself.

Me too. Or if I won the loto - Carli.
jus2shy
Explorer
Oct 19, 2013
It would be good to know what ball joints you got or where they were repaired. A commonly mentioned ball-joint brand in dodge circles are "Moog". Seems like lots of owners swear by these units for the older dodges.