How to Replace Ball Joints on a 2003 Ram 4X4

A worn-out ball joint affects your truck's suspension and needs to be replaced to maintain a steady ride. A Dodge Ram 4X4 generally has a solid axle where you can't remove the control arms. You will need to "press" the joint out, which will require special tools available at some auto parts stores and equipment rental yards. This process can vary depending on the exact type of suspension and your exact tool. Talk with your mechanic beforehand.

Instructions

1

Raise the Ram's front or rear end--whichever end you need to remove the joint from--and support it on jack stands. Remove the wheel that this particular ball joint uses.

2

Connect a ball joint press tool to the top and bottom ends of the ball joint. This tool is similar in appearance to a C-clamp. Make sure the "press" end of the tool is centered on the joint and the correct size receiver cup is connected to the bottom end.

3

Compress the tool--much like you would a clamp--until the ball joint pops out of the axle and into the receiver cup, then remove the joint and the tool.

4

Place the replacement ball joint within its sleeve on the axle and reconnect the press tool. Compress the tool until the joint pops into the axle, then remove the tool.

5

Reconnect the wheel to the axle with your tire iron. Lower the Ram from the jack stands with your floor jack.