Ball Joint Replacement:
I used the rental tool to press out the old ball joint and press in the new one. When pressing out the old ball joint the key is to properly set up the press, tighten the screw on the press, then give the screw a few good solid blows to shock the old ball joint. Once I did this the old ball joint pressed out almost effortlessly. Installation of the new ball joint was a breeze. The only comment is be extremely careful not to damage the axle boot seals. Have wire on hand to tie the spindle assembly and axle for support to prevent damage to the brake hoses and ABS system.
You have to change the whole lower control arm.
I corrected the problem on my 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 by replacing the upper and lower ball joints.
There is 4, 2 on each side behind the front wheels, You have a upper and lower ball joint. 1 on each controll arm.
You can do it with special tools and a manual on your car from the parts store or autobooksonline.com
I just paid $400 for upper ball joints on a 2001 dodge ram van. Also had to get $50 alignment. That was at Tire Discounters.
Extremely worn or loose shocks, bad upper or lower ball joints, worn control arm bushings.
with great diffaculty
The 1998 Dodge Dakota has both upper and lower ball joints. OEM grade replacements are approximately 40-50$ 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.
Four upper and four lower.
1998 2wd What year? 2WD or 4WD? 2WD 1996
check the upper and lower trail end bushings
upper or lower.