1996 Dodge Ram 1500: I replace the upper and lower ball joints..2wd

Hello Blue Ox, Super mechanic here. I have some step by step instructions for that.

Let me know if that is not clear enough for ya' Thanks

2WD MODELS

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle on jackstands.

2. Position a support at the outer end of the lower control arm and lower the vehicle so that the support compresses the coil spring.

3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

4. Remove the cotter pin and the stud nut.

5. Release the upper ball joint taper using ball stud loosening tool C-3564-A, or equivalent.

6. Unthread the ball joint from the control arm with tool C-3561, or equivalent.

7. The installation is the reversal of the removal procedure. Tighten the ball joint itself to 125 ft. lbs. (169 Nm). Tighten the upper ball stud nut to 135 ft. lbs (183 Nm)

8.  

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   REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

    

   Except Dakota

   2WD MODELS

   See Figures 1, 2 and 3

   1. Raise and safely support the vehicle on jackstands.

   2. Remove the shock absorber.

   3. Remove the strut bar and disconnect the sway bar from the lower control arm, if equipped.

   4. Install spring compressor tool DD-1278, or equivalent to the coil spring and tighten the nut finger-tight, then back off half a turn.

   
   Fig. 1: Remove the lower ball joint with a breaker tool like the one shown

    

   
   Fig. 2: Use the special tool shown, or equivalent to remove the lower ball joint

    

   
   Fig. 3: To install the lower ball joint, use the special tool to press it into place

    

   1. Remove the cotter pin and lower ball joint nut.

   2. Release the lower ball joint taper using ball stud loosening tool C-3564-A, or equivalent.

   3. Remove the tool and remove the ball stud from the control arm. Release the compressor tool from the coil spring.

   4. Pull the arm down and remove the spring with the rubber isolation pad from the vehicle. Remove the ball joint boot. Use tool C-4212, or an appropriate ball joint press to remove the ball joint from the arm.

   To install:

   1. Use the remover tool to press the ball joint into the arm. Install a new rubber boot. Install the spring with the rubber isolators. Install the compressor tool and compress it enough so the lower ball joint can be inserted through the knuckle.

   2. Tighten ¹¹/₁₆ lower ball joint nuts to 135 ft. lbs. (183 Nm). Tighten ³/₄ nuts to 175 ft. lbs. (237 Nm). Install a new cotter pin. Remove the spring compressor.

   3. Install the strut bar and connect the sway bar from the lower control arm, if equipped.

   4. Install the shock absorber.

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