RAM 2500 Van V8-5.9L VIN Z (1997)
Ball Joint: Service and Repair
Upper Ball Joint Replacement
REMOVAL
1. Place a jack under outer end of lower suspension arm. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove cotter pin and nut from upper ball stud.
4. Position Ball Stud Remover C-3564-A, or equivalent between ball studs. Rotate threaded portion of tool to apply force to the upper ball stud.
5. Strike steering knuckle sharply with a hammer to loosen ball stud from knuckle. Do not force ball stud out from knuckle with the tool.
6. Remove ball stud seal.
7. Use Tool C-3561, or equivalent to unthread ball stud from suspension arm.
INSTALLATION
1. Thread new ball stud in with Tool C-3561, or equivalent and tighten to 170 Nm (125 ft. lbs.). The gap between ball stud Hex and suspension arm
bore is 0.25 - 1.25 mm (0.01 - 0.05 inch).
2. Install new seal over ball stud and securely locked in place.
3. Position steering knuckle on upper ball stud tighten nut to 183 Nm (135 ft. lbs.). Install a new cotter pin.
4. Install wheel and tire assembly and lower the vehicle.
