control arms and balljoints.

NYSpeed Automotive
1

so i made a bonehead move when i lowered my truck earlier this year, ripped the boots on lower balljoints. never replaced the boots because well, i didnt think you could replace them on these newer ones.

now i need to replace the balljoints.

heres my dilemma:

2009+ 2wd ram 1500.

there is no replaceable balljoint listed for the lower control arm.

while checking the part numbers it appears that the current part number supercedes the part number of the 2006-2008 lower control arm. there is a replaceable balljoint listed for the 2006-2008 control arm, and they share the same spindle as well.

how often do superceded part numbers mean the part is infact different and not just changed because the generation of vehicle changed?

im wondering if i can get away with spending 60 bucks on balljoints to put in my control arms or if i have to spend the 700 bucks on oem ones because there is no aftermarket yet.

2

Maybe you could call a stealership in the area and talk to parts. Believe it or not, sometimes they are helpful.

3

If it was in fact superseded they should have updated the fitment catalog.

If it is superseded by another part number then it is a DIRECT replacement. It should be an improvement to the design without adversely affecting form, fit, or function.

…and this concludes our engineering semantics lesson for today…

4

Are they press fit or bolt on ball joints?
If they are press fit they are replaceable if they go into a STEEL control arm, and the arm must not be damaged.

If they go into an aluminium arm, you’re screwed.

5

More information would be nice about the truck, on the work computer they are listing aftermarket ones from Napa. About $300 a side for the 5 lug option.

6

yeah, i already did. the guy wasnt much help. i will probably call another dealer and try again.

thanks for clarifying something i already know :tup: apparently you dont understand what i am asking.

stamped steel control arm with forged end that is riveted to the arm. on previous years the replacement balljoint presses into this forged piece, which is why i question the new one not having a replacement balljoint.

2011 2wd ram 1500. they are all 5 lug. the only 8 lug ones out there are the 3/4 ton and larger chassis. $300 a side is around what the oem ones goes for online. im suprised you found one, napas website only listed them in the 8 lug.

7

They way you worded your question it was not clear. Some people don’t understand what that means…now I know you are not one of those people.

I was not trying to be a dick about it. Sorry.

8

i pretty much have access to napas entire inventory of parts, in stock or not through our computer system at work that we use to order the parts. they were listen in the computer, but not shown in stock in the locations i could search. no clue on if they have them at the warehouse on wherle or not. and you could always use the NYSPEED napa discount… might end up being cheaper than OE and i personally do like napa parts quite a bit more than OE.