Took truck in for WV state inspection today.

[LeQuack1992]

I took the RAM in for the state inspection since I am moving it from MD to WV and my shop told me that my front lower ball joints have a tiny bit of play. They gave the truck a clean bill of health overall, just that I need to keep an eye on the front lower ball joints and may need to replace by this time next year. So I was looking online but I cannot seem to find any replacement parts for the 2019. Any clue or is it a dealer only part for now?

 

[mikeru82]

It may be the case that you need to replace the entire control arm when ball joints are needed. I know some cars are like this, and when looking on rockauto.com that's mostly what I'm seeing. They do list one ball joint from the front lower but they're out of stock (see attached pic). I haven't needed to look into this yet so it would be great if you would update this thread if you figure anything out.

 

[Conundrum]

New ones will probably get worn out quick by the WV roads. Stock up.

 

[rsachek]

Check out Moog part number K500286T005.

If this was the upper ball joint, I'd say that replacing the entire control arm is probably easier since they're so cheap, but the lower control arms are >$500 each for OEM.

 

[mikeru82]

Check out Moog part number K500286T005.

If this was the upper ball joint, I'd say that replacing the entire control arm is probably easier since they're so cheap, but the lower control arms are >$500 each for OEM.

Plenty of other choices besides OEM though. Most of them that I saw are well under $200.

 

[LeQuack1992]

I was able to find this part number of Partsgeek.com 146550-09307432. Says it fits the 19 ram 1500. I probably wont get to doing them until the spring anyway. The mechanic said the play was soo little that it should be fine till then. I just like to have the parts saved so when I need them I have a quick link to get them. I agree that if it were the uppers to just do the whole control arm. Ive done enough lowers ball joints between my old truck and family/ friends trucks that I have no issue doing it myself.

 

[LeQuack1992]

A screen grab of the part I found on partsgeek

 

[Philth]

So glad I don't have the government telling me how "safe" my car is.

 

[kapinallinen2]

Took a close look at the lower ball joint when replacing the bearing hub.
It is crimped in, not just in couple places around the perimeter but all the way around, good luck pressing that out.

 

[LeQuack1992]

Took a close look at the lower ball joint when replacing the bearing hub.
It is crimped in, not just in couple places around the perimeter but all the way around, good luck pressing that out.

View attachment 173396

I will take a closer look at it ones the weather breaks. Its been non-stop rain the past few days. If it looks like a "PITA" I will probably just replace the entire lower control arm. But I'd like to try just the ball joints first.

 

[Choate]

That’s just so they can make you replace it next year or no registration for you!

 

[Cbty2050]

Complete aftermarket control arms under $200 ea.

 

[kapinallinen2]

Complete aftermarket control arms under $200 ea.

The kicker is that a front end alignment is needed.

 

[LeQuack1992]

The kicker is that a front end alignment is needed.

My mechanic isn't too expensive for an alignment though. Only $150 for a 4 wheel.

 

[Cbty2050]

The kicker is that a front end alignment is needed.

Alignments are cheap.

 

[kapinallinen2]

My mechanic isn't too expensive for an alignment though. Only $150 for a 4 wheel.

Alignments are cheap.

I have trust issues...

 

[LeQuack1992]

I have trust issues...

I've been going to this mechanic for the last 12 years and they are honest.

 

[kapinallinen2]

I've been going to this mechanic for the last 12 years and they are honest.

I really prefer doing my own work if any way possible.

 

[LeQuack1992]

I really prefer doing my own work if any way possible.

I do as well but for the jobs that are outside my ability I trust this mechanic lol.

 

[LeQuack1992]

For anybody that cares lol. I had the lower ball joints replaced with the suspensia part from partsgeek when I had my tires done. Was a bit steep for the labor but they were able to press out the old ones no problem.

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2019/ram/1500/suspension/ball_joint.html