RAM 2500 Truck 2WD L6-5.9L DSL Turbo VIN 7 (2001)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Lower Ball Joint
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor stands under both lower suspension arms as far outboard as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow
the stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.
NOTE: The upper suspension arms must not be in maximum rebound position.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Mount a dial indicator solidly under the lower suspension arm.
4. Position indicator plunger against the bottom of the steering knuckle lower ball joint boss.
NOTE: The dial Indicator plunger must be perpendicular to the machined surface of the steering knuckle lower ball joint boss.
5. Position a pry bar over the top of the upper suspension arm and under the pivot bar of the upper suspension arm. Pry down on the upper
suspension arm and then zero the dial indicator.
6. Reposition the pry bar under the upper suspension arm and on top of the frame rail. Pry up on the upper suspension arm and record the dial
indicator reading.
7. If the travel exceeds 0.8 mm (0.030 inch) replace the suspension arm.
