How do I replace the upper ball joints on a 98 Dodge Dakota 4x4? I understand that the ball joints are riveted to the upper control arm. What is the best way to break those rivets free?

The OEM ball joint is riveted into the upper control arm. There are two possible ways to replace the joint. You can purchase the entire upper control arm/ball joint assembly, which comes complete with the upper control arm bushings. This part costs about $150.00. You will also have to deal with the coil spring when replacing it this way. You can also buy just the ball joint for about $30.00. This will require that you drill out the rivets of the original ball joint and then bolt in the replacement with the bolts that are provided with it. The 2WD and 4WD versions are the same. See this link.


http://www.autozone.com/suspension-steering-tire-and-wheel/ball-joint-upper/gmc/sonoma-4wd/1994/6-cylinders-z-4-3l-tbi

Inspect/Test/Service/Replace Removing Ball Joint Tapers from the Steering Knuckle
The ball joint is connected to the steering knuckle with a tapered connection, called a steering taper, which is also used in other steering connections.
A ball joint taper. Courtesy of Moog Automotive, Inc. To remove a ball joint requires the use of a ball joint remover.
Another way of "breaking" the taper is to use a large hammer.

• First, remove the cotter pin from the ball joint nut and loosen the nut several turns.
• Position the vehicle so that the coil spring is pushing on the ball joint. This could require lifting the vehicle or allowing its weight to rest on the wheels.
• Use a hammer to pound sharply on the steering knuckle on the outside of the taper. this will deform the taper and spring pressure will separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.

Removing the Ball Joint from the Control Arm
A ball joint can be retained by one of several methods.
Three common ball joint retaining methods. Courtesy of Moog Automotive, Inc. Some ball joints are held in with rivets from the factory. The rivets are drilled and punched to remove them. Bolts and nuts are used to hold the replacement joint in place.
Original equipment rivets are replaced with nuts and bolts. Courtesy of Moog Automotive, Inc. The most common method is press fit. Some manufacturers require you to replace the entire control arm assembly if a ball joint is to be replaced. In these cases, the ball joint and control arm are made as a single assembly and individual parts are not available.
If the control arm has been removed from the vehicle, a pressed-fit ball joint can be removed using a standard hydraulic press. when the control arm is still on the car, a special press set allows the removal and replacement of these ball joints. some pressed-fit ball joints have a spot weld that holds them in place. this must be carefully removed. when a replacement ball joint is installed, a snap ring often takes the place of the weld.
NOTE Be sure the grease release hole in the new ball joint's rubber boot is aimed away from the brakes.

check your local parts store you can rent a ball joint press kit this will get the job done

jack up the the side with the broken ball joint under the control arm.
Remove the axle nut (4x4)
remove the caliper and the rotor.
remove the outer tie rod from the knuckle.
Remove the upper and lower control arm nuts and remove knuckle from vehicle.

Using a ball joint press remove and install the ball joint.

tighten axle nut (4x4 only) to 133 lb-ft after everything is assembled.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

Disconnect the caliper and mount, and hang it aside. Unbolt the 5 or 6, 6mm allen head bolts from the hub. Pull the hub out and remove the snap ring and washers behind it. Loosen the upper ball joint nut a little and break the joint free. Support the lower control arm with a jack and loosen the lower ball joint nut and break it loose also. With the lower control arm supported, remove the upper ball joint nut and slowly remove the lower control arm support (jack). The shock will retain the torsion bar and you can now remove the lower ball joint nut and slide the knuckle off the ball joint. You will be able to move the knuckle and axle around enough to give you access to the four bolts securing the ball joint

hi unfortunately the only way to remove these is grind them out or drill, i wouldn't use a chisel as this could deform the the arm...hope this helps

there are three rivets, u have to drill them out or chisel them off, the new joint is then bolted to the control arm, u can also buy the whole upper control arm for around $100

No you don't have to change the lower control arm to install a new balljoint.These balljoints come riveted in at the factory, you must grind the rivets then drive them through with a drift punch then they pull out....Then you can install new balljoints.I hope I could help...

The ball joints on both 2wd and 4wd upper are pressed in you need to remove snap ring and using a hammer pop out the old one out this is after you seperate the upper arm from the spindle. To install the new ball joint you should use a ball joint press that you can rent at most autoparts shops

They are riveted into the lower control arm. You can chisel them out OR...if u have air tools...u can grind the rivets off, them punch them thru the bottom of the lower control arm. Make sure you place GOOD, STRONG jackstands under the control arm. I believe that is a torsion bar suspension so be very careful. You'll also need to pop the upper ball joint out of the spindle to change the lower ball joint. Good luck.

Chris