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Part Of Upper Control Arm
u can't just change the upper ball joint, u have to change the whole upper control arm. It is welded to the arm in one piece.
You have to change the upper control arm.
You will probably have to replace the upper and lower ball joints. Dodge does not put grease fittings on these from the factory, because of this they wear quickly and the squeaking you here is the metal to metal in the ball joint when there is motion in the front end of the truck.
I just paid $400 for upper ball joints on a 2001 dodge ram van. Also had to get $50 alignment. That was at Tire Discounters.
The 1998 Dodge Dakota has both upper and lower ball joints. OEM grade replacements are approximately 40-50$ per ball joint (as of August 2014). Labor to replace will depend on how many need replacement and time necessary. The changing of ball joints will require an alignment upon completion additionally. It is advisable to replace ball joints as pairs, when possible.
located at the end of the upper radiator hose. remove two bolts, replace with new parts remember to replace the gasket.
you will probably need a ball joint press and a splitter
If it's coming out of a crimp joint, replace it. If it comes from a removable connection, replace the "o" rings. Glenn
the whole upper control arm has to be replaced.it is not that expensive of a part but you will need an alignment afterward.
You will need to replace the upper control arm. My research has determined it is not possible to purchase the ball joint seperately. If you do happen to find the ball joint you will have to press the old one out of the control arm which can be a real pain. Autozone has a tool to do it with but I am opting to just change the control arm so the bushing are also new. Moog Part number for the Upper Ball Joint is K80008. This is WITHOUT the control arm. Changing the control may prove to be easier but will most likely be a dealer item.
You have to take the control arm and ball joint to a shop and have them pressed together, otherwise it is easier to buy the new control arm with the ball joint already in it.