Ball joints might not be a part of enthusiast conversations as frequently as say aftermarket exhausts or tuners, but they’re instrumental in ensuring your truck runs and steers smoothly. A failed ball joint can mean the truck loses the ability to steer/absorb shocks. The thought in itself is terrifying, but you can save yourself from the misery by looking closely for any of the symptoms (mentioned at the end of the article). And to ensure that you get the best ball joints for Dodge Ram 2500, we’ve made a quick guide to help you out.
The 5 Best Ball Joints for Dodge Ram 2500:
- Carli Suspension Extreme Duty Ball Joints – the best ball joints for Dodge Ram 2500
- Dynatrac Pro Steer Ball Joints
- Moog Ball Joint (K7465)
- Moog Ball Joint (K8607T)
- Detroit Axle Ball Joints
Our Recommendations
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Partner for life: Carli Suspension Extreme Duty Ball Joints – the best ball joints for Dodge Ram 2500
- Warrantied for life
- Increased Feel and Axle Performance
- Eliminates ball joint deflection
- Note: may not fit vehicles which have had knurled style ball joints previously installed
- Made in the USA
Carli Suspension backs their product with a lifetime warranty, with a guarantee that says if the ball joint goes wrong, you can send them a video of the failing part, and they’ll replace it with a new one.
It’s compatible with 2003 – 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 (4×4). You can also get ones made with the model years 2014 onward (link to which is mentioned below). As a part of the package, you get four extreme duty ball joints (two upper and two lower) and a complimentary tube of synthetic grease.
Lifetime warranty
What sets apart the Carli Suspension Dodge Ram 2500 ball joints from its rivals, other than the impressive lifetime warranty, is the fact that a lot of research has gone into making this product — from the materials to the design.
What do we think of it?
If you look at the standard replacement models, that’s a lot of money that Carli Suspension Ball Joints retail at. But there are enough returns for your investment, including the promised long life, improved steering response, etc. Stick close to the manufacturer’s recommendations for periodic maintenance to ensure that your warranty isn’t voided.
- Set of Upper and Lower Ball Joints
- LIFETIME Advanced-Replacement Warranty
- Copper Plated, Carburized and Dry-Lubed
- Includes a tube of Redline CV2 Grease
- Fitment: 2013+ Ram 3500 4x4 & 2014+ Ram 2500 4x4
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Very expensive
Rebuildable: Dynatrac Pro Steer Ball Joints
- CR92-2X3050-A Dynatrac HD Ball Joint Kit for 2003-2012 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4
The other popular choice for the best Dodge Ram 2500 ball joints is made by a brand called Dynatrac. The product called Dynatrac Pro Steer Ball Joints is made for 2003 – 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 4×4 trucks.
Longer-life parts
With billet bodies and Chromoly stems, Dynatrac Pro Steer Ball Joints are claimed to be strong, durable, and of the highest quality. The stainless steel ball inside meets military specifications, so expect it to offer unmatched longevity. The ball joints come with ‘greasable’ fittings, Teflon-coated parts for longer life, and the onboard seals prevent contamination.
Apart from being high-quality, these are also rebuildable, which means if the product fails in the future, you can change its components and you’ll have something as good as new. And that can be done without removing the part from the vehicle.
What do we think of it?
This is a high-quality replacement that features replaceable components (hence ensuring that under normal wear and tear, you can rebuild a part of the product in the future) and is backed by a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Rebuildable
Cons
- Only 1-year warranty
- Expensive
Cheap replacement: Moog Ball Joint (K7465)
- PROBLEM SOLVER GUSHER BEARING -- Metal-to-metal design provides strength and allows grease to flow through bearing surface for reduced friction and long life
- STRONG AND DURABLE -- Ball studs are heat treated to match or exceed OE requirements to inhibit premature failure and improve fatigue strength
- GREASEABLE SOCKET -- Reduces corrosion and wear by allowing new lubricant to flush contaminants
- KEEPS DIRT AND WATER OUT -- Pre-installed dust boot shields socket components from wear-causing contaminants
- ABSORBS IMPACT -- Belleville preload washer helps keep the bearing package tight as bearings wear
This Moog Problem Solver ball joint is made for 2003 – 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 trucks. But there are some caveats: it’s compatible with some trucks which are RWD (for certain years) while for the rest, 4×4 fitments are possible.
Only lower ball joints
The part is to be used as a lower front ball joint in all cases. Its main appeal lies in a very affordable price tag (the cheapest on this list except for the last one), materials claimed to be similar or better to the factory parts, premium forged housing, and a socket that can be greased, among other things.
What do we think of it?
For warranty and compatibility, you’ll need to check with the seller. Happy customers have acknowledged an improved ride and fit.
Pros
- Inexpensive
Cons
- None
For the older trucks: Moog Ball Joint (K8607T)
- PROBLEM SOLVER GUSHER BEARING -- Metal-to-metal design provides strength and allows grease to flow through bearing surface for reduced friction and long life
- STRONG AND DURABLE -- Ball studs are heat treated to match or exceed OE requirements to inhibit premature failure and improve fatigue strength
- GREASEABLE SOCKET -- Reduces corrosion and wear by allowing new lubricant to flush contaminants
- ABSORBS IMPACT -- Belleville preload washer helps keep the bearing package tight as bearings wear
- EASY TO INSTALL -- Precision tolerances for easy installation and steering alignment giving you a perfect fit right out of the box
Called the Moog Problem Solver, the replacement lower ball joint banks on a very low price, and offers a like-new steering feel, long life, and easy installation. This is compatible with the earlier Dodge Ram 2500 (4×4) trucks made with the model years 1994 – 1999.
Stronger housing
Moog mentions that the ball joint is made of materials similar to or better to the factory part. The housing is said to have 52 percent more material in important areas, hence offering better strength. There’s a Belleville washer to control the axial and radial movements covered by a dust boot. The socket is ‘greasable’ and the grease reservoir itself is larger as well. Having said that, Moog also mentions that this is not a heavy-duty fitment.
What do we think of it?
At a much lower price, especially compared to the top-of-the-line replacement choices mentioned above, the Moog Ball Joint offers a balance between compatibility for older trucks and price. Users have offered largely mixed reviews, with some also mentioning that the parts aren’t of great quality.
Pros
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not the highest quality product
Pocket-friendly: Detroit Axle Ball Joints
- READ SPECIFIC FITMENT: FITS 4x4 4WD 8-LUG MODELS ONLY / 1500 Ram MEGA Cab (Extended CREW Cab) ONLY
- Replacement for - 2006-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 (4WD ; 8-Lug Model - Extended CREW MEGA CAB) - [2003-2010 Dodge Ram 2500 (4WD)] - 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 3500 (4WD) - [2011-2013 Ram 2500 (4WD)] - 2011-2014 Ram 3500 (4WD)
- Kit Includes: (2) Front Upper Ball Joints + (2) Front Lower Ball Joints
- Detroit Axle Suspension parts are ready to meet the rigorous demands of today’s foreign and domestic passenger cars, trucks and SUVs
- 10-Year Warranty
Available as a pack of four (two front uppers and two front lower joints), the Detroit Axle is a product worth considering. It’s the least expensive here, comes in a pack of four so you don’t have to buy lower and upper joints separately. And it’s claimed to be backed by a 10-year warranty.
Tested for wear
For the Dodge Ram 2500, you can fit these on to trucks with the model years 2012 – 2015 as front upper, and for the front lower part, these can be fitted on to the trucks with the model years 2011 – 2013. Made to the factory specifications, the parts have been tested for wear.
What do we think of it?
It’s going to require more effort than the other turbo kits since for this you’ll also need to look for an actuator. The installation is recommended to be done by a professional, and Pulsar Turbo clearly states that you get in touch with them regarding things like warranty and compatibility before making the purchase.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly
- Long warranty
Cons
- None
Final thoughts on the Best Ball Joints for Dodge Ram 2500
You must have noticed how wide the price difference is between the standard replacement parts and the top-tier ones. This will be reflected in the quality, durability, and even longevity. The Detroit Axle Ball Joints comes as a pack of four ball joints and is backed by a long warranty. The Moog Problem Solver K8607T and K7465 are only slightly more expensive but they are claimed to be good replacements to the factory unit. But if you want the best quality parts, then the Carli Suspensions Ball Joints and the Dynatrac Ball Joints are two sure-shot options. The former is backed by a lifetime warranty while the latter offers the ability to be rebuilt. Both are made of high-quality materials, and obviously, that’s reflected in their high price.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Ball Joints
Before you go ahead and choose the best ball joints for Dodge Ram 2500, you’ll need to get them looked at by a mechanic. Here are a few tell-tale signs that the ball joints might be on their way out.
Bad handling
If the vehicle starts veering towards any direction without any steering input from you, or it shows a clear tendency to go in a particular direction, it might be a ball joints fault. This will not just affect the handling, it can really dangerous — and not to mention extremely tiring for the one behind the wheel. Another easy way of finding out is by looking at the tires. Since the suspension and steering don’t act correctly, there will eventually be uneven tire wear.
Noise
Worn-out ball joints can cause the suspension to be noisy. In addition to that, there can be an excess of vibrations because of ball joints.
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