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.
Replace the front upper and lower ball joints.
Lower ball joints call for 1.7 hrs per side for labor, app. $50 per hour = app. $85 per side for labor.
Loose ball joints will cause excessive tire wear, and if they come apart the wheel assembly could come loose. This would cause a complete loss of steering control.
You can't repair worn out ball joints. Replace them with new ones.
Check with a dealer- ball joints on series of Dodge products where covered by recalls.
you have to remove the spindle and press the old ones off
for my 99 its 1149 for all four
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.
How do you replace your front ball joints on a Lincoln
If you don't have a press take it to a shop and pay the $1000 trust me.
How do you replace the ball joints on a 1998 Monte Carlo Z34??
I'm not familiar with the dakota, but based on the ones I have done; You'll need a ball joint press, which is basically a large c-clamp with special cups to press out and then press in the new joints. Many auto parts stores will lend these out, and will show you how to use it. With this tool, 10 minutes per side installing new ball joints. You most likely need a new alignment afterwards.