I can share a number of stories that will tell the consequences of having malfunctioning ball joints in a vehicle. But you already know that, if a ball joint malfunctions, it becomes impossible to turn the car, necessitating a tow or an urgent curbside fix. Over bumps, worn ball bearings usually make a clunking noise.
Being one of the most loved pick-up trucks for decades, your Dodge Ram doesn’t deserve to be carrying a faulty ball joint, right? But if you directly order or buy products like ball joints from the market, there is a huge possibility of getting cheated. And that’s why we will be reviewing the best five ball joints for Dodge Ram 2500.
We had to cut some very efficient products to make room for just the five best ball joints, where we have focused on material quality, durability, budget-friendliness, and last but not least popular among the users. We are also adding sections for buying tips and frequently asked questions.
Top 5 Best Ball Joints For Dodge Ram 2500 Review
1. Carli Suspension DBJP Ball joint
These Carli Suspension DBJP Ball Joints are the ultimate in terms of longevity and efficiency from your new ball joints. Aerospace firms refined the technology used in these ball joints. This equates to a ball joint that will more than likely outlive any Ram it is installed in.
The thermal treatment and dry lubricant covering are the two most remarkable characteristics of the Carli Suspension ball joints. These ball joints are carefully machined for total accuracy before being hardened. Most normal wear and tear is avoided, and the dry-lube coating is more robust than conventional lubricants.
The ball joints start out as a chunk of specialty chosen material which is machined to the unique design by the manufacturers and then heat treated to a specified rockwell (hardness). From there the ball joints head to an aero-space lube company where a proprietary dry-lube coating is applied to our specified thickness. And of course, they top them off with an accessible zirk fitting for easy servicing. Along with that, they also include a tube of high-quality synthetic grease with each ball joint set
This degree of efficiency, however, comes at a cost. A full system of Carli Suspension ball joints is a significant investment — one that you may not want to make on an older car. However, in terms of sheer excellence, they are considered to be unrivalled.
Pros
- Improves steering system reaction and control
- Heat treated to increase corrosion protection
- Long-lasting dry oil covering
- Precision machining ensures an exact alignment.
- Ideal for Ram vehicles equipped with an AAM front suspension.
Cons
- Some users note that they feel a little snug after installation.
2. Dynatrac CR92-2X3050-A Pro-steer Ball Joints
Dynatrac’s Pro Steer Ball Joints are another high-quality choice for a Dodge Ram. This complete set contains everything you need to install your new ball joints and is sized to suit precisely Dodge Ram 2500s manufactured between 2003 and 2012.
When you add the Dynatrac Pro Steer ball joints, you’ll observe a significant increase in the handling and suspension of your Ram. Even on rough roads, the ride will be easier. As a result, they are ideal for operating vehicles or off-roaders.
Dynatrac Pro Steer ball joints, unlike lesser ball joints, can be re-built after installation, giving you more control over how rigid your steering is. They’re definitely a pro-level product—they’re quite expensive, and they’re not the simplest to install. They are, however, worth the expense if you want a long-lasting, smooth new ball joint.
Pros
- Developed for the Dodge Ram 2500 (2003-2012)
- Precision-ground and heat-treated stainless steel ball
- Better control and tighter driving
- Rebuildable on the car
- Teflon covering on stress areas for durability
Cons
- Hard to set up.
3. XRF Lifetime Ball Joint Kit
XRF Lifetime, like always, will not be disappointing you with their cost-effective ball joint sets. For about $200, you can change the upper and lower ball joints on the truck’s driver and passenger sides with this package from XRF. Even better, they come with a lifelong free-replacement guarantee in case the joint ever fails again. The manufacturers claim that, you won’t need to purchase any more ball bearings after these.
This Lifetime ball-joint kit for Dodge Ram is a recently enhanced design from XRF which has got immediate popularity in the USA market and we have sold more than 1000 sets of it already. Along with strength and durability, the users love that the product stops oil leakage by using an internal dust boot.
The existence of grease nipple fittings, which will allow you to grease the joints and keep them well-lubricated, is one of the finest features that is frequently overlooked these days. The Dodge Ram 2500 & 3500 44 trucks manufactured between 2003 and 2012/13 are compatible with the upper and lower ball joints, which are all brand-new, non-rebuilt components.
Pros
- a cost-effective replacement choice for ball bearings
- Excellent production quality, produced in Taiwan’s most modern plant.
- Trouble-free service.
- Backed with a “million-mile free replacement warranty”.
- Long lasting replacement steering and suspension parts.
Cons
- A few customers complained about the product wearing out very fast.
4. A-Team Performance – XRF 2X K7460X Lower Ball Joint
Another great option for ball joints for Dodge Ram in the medium price range is the A-Team Performance 4X4 Ball Joint Kit. In particular, given that A-Team Performance ball joints generally last longer than the factory ball joints, replacing the ball joint in a Dodge Ram 2500 is a fantastic value for a full set.
These A-Team Performance ball joints have a simple yet intelligent construction. They are a dependable method to repair a loose, failing steering system’s drivability and come with greaseable ball bearings. I have personally talked to friends and neighbors including old customers who go for this product without any second thought.
Surprisingly, some of the users also appreciated it as “better than Moog and Napa gold”, but we weren’t surprised at all. Drivers from Texas, California, Oklahoma, and many other states reported the goddess of the product and how easy it can make the journey through states.
Pros
- The top and lower parts are lubricable
- Designed to suit 2003–2013 Dodge Ram 2500 vehicles
- Outlast the majority of initial ball bearings
- Perfect for re-establishing driving balance
- Good symmetry between quality and price.
Cons
- N/A.
5. Detroit Axle 80052-4 Ball-joint
The last one in our list is a smartly-built ball-joint set from the dependable manufacturing house of Detroit. This Detroit Axle 4pc front upper and lower ball joint set is built under strict quality control standards, by the best technicians to maintain their age-old reputation and provide your Truck the best service.
The product here goes through several tests to ensure the impact, wear and fatigue to ensure quality and durability. One of the best things that people love about these ball joints are the affordability of them. Detroit manufactures budget-friendly products but maintains the quality perfectly.
The users with whom we have sold these products suggested that you can be sure with the movement of your vehicle for at least 5-7 years, once you get this set of ball-joint. The users also praise the package coming zerk fittings and lock rings included.
Pros
- Much more efficient than a stock radiator
- Fully aluminum constructed
- Strong, lightweight, and durable
- Suitable for off-roading and racing applications
Cons
- The price is a bit high
Buying Tips for the best ball joints for Dodge Ram
Ball bearings wear out slowly, yet most Dodge Rams will travel 100,000 miles or more. This means you’ll almost certainly need to repair one or more ball joints at some time during the life of the vehicle. There are numerous factors that can influence the decision to use one component over another.
We have listed down some of those factors and hopefully, these tips will guide you to purchase the right product and save yourself from any kind of manipulation of the sellers. The buying tips for the best ball joints for Dodge Ram 2500 are explored in detail further below.
Measurement and Fitment
The most essential factor to look for is that the new ball joints suit your Dodge Ram truck. The type of ball bearings used by your Dodge Ram varies by the model a year. The steering system was changed during the manufacturing of the 2013 model, so you’ll want to pay particular attention to what type of ball joints your truck uses if it was built that year.
Four out of five ball joints on our chart are for Dodge Rams manufactured between 2003 and 2012. The Detroit Axle Upper & Lower Ball Joint Set, which is designed for older vehicles, is an exception. If your Ram is younger than 2013, speak with a technician about the appropriate ball joint replacements.
Durability
Certain ball joints wear out quicker than others, and certain driving circumstances increase the likelihood of wear. Driving on rocky or irregular terrain can accelerate ball joint deterioration, as can grime or other grit in the joint or inadequate lubrication.
Heat treatment is used in some high-end ball bearings to harden the metal of the ball, making it more impervious to damage. Advanced lubrication techniques can also help to avoid wear and strain.
If your Ram pickup has already surpassed 100,000 miles, it may not be worth it to invest in excellent replacement ball joints that will outlive your vehicle. On the other hand, stronger ball joints will endure harsh driving conditions and may be a superior option.
Price
The cost of new ball joints varies dramatically. Replacing all four can cost anywhere from a few bucks to nearly a thousand dollars. In most cases, you get what you pay for. More costly ball bearings are more durable and provide a smoother journey. Examine your budget to figure out how much you are prepared to pay for improved performance.
Replacement of Ball Joints
Along with the question of the most appropriate ball joint for your vehicle, another important question when and how would you understand the necessity of a new ball joint.
The ball joint is an important part of the steering and suspension mechanism in your vehicle and the wheels can spin simultaneously, and the upper and lower suspension can provide a comfortable journey, thanks to ball joints. However, the key, as with any other component you replace on your car, is to get the correct part for your vehicle.
The finest ball joints for a Dodge Ram 2500 aren’t always the best for other vehicles. The Dodge Ram, like most vehicles, has four ball joints (two upper and two lower), any of which can wear out over time. Even if only one ball joint is exhibiting symptoms of excessive wear, it is recommended to replace all of them at once.
After replacing ball joints, a tire alignment is not always needed. If the alignment was established with worn joints, it will need to be recalibrated after the worn components are replaced.
How to Remove and Install the Ball Joints
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often a set of ball joints should be service?
Usually, it is suggested by the experts that you should check the ball joints and their functioning after driving every 2000-3000 miles, but that also depends on the type and design of the joints.
How often do ball joints need to be replaced?
Considering advice from experts and from the experiences we hear about from users, 70000 to 1500000 miles is the limit after which you should check on your vehicle.
How long does it take to install a ball joint?
Usually, it takes one to two hours to install a ball joint, especially, if you are appointing a professional to do that.
When do you realize that the ball joint needs to be replaced?
When you start to hear clunking sounds or hear harsh cabin vibrations, you might well know that its time to replace the ball joint of your pickup truck.
Final Verdict
So, after going through our expert opinions about the best ball joints for Dodge Ram 2500, you must have understood the qualities that make a great set of ball joints and how to choose the right one. So, we have reviewed technically rich products like the one from Dynatrac as well as the product best known for durability like the one from XRF and the budget-friendly one like Detroit Axle.
With the help of the buying tips and other necessary information provided, you will be able to make a smart choice, undoubtedly. Thus, happy shopping and happy journeying with your Dodge Ram.