The ball joint is a crucial component of your car’s steering and suspension system. Ball joints allow the upper and lower suspension to provide a comfortable ride and allow the wheels to turn at the same time. Worn ball joints typically cause a clunking sound over bumps. When a ball joint fails, the vehicle can not be steered, requiring a tow or an emergency roadside repair.
Just like any part you replace on your vehicle, the key is to get the right part for your vehicle. The best ball joints for a Dodge Ram 2500 won’t necessarily be the best for every vehicle. Like most trucks, the Dodge Ram uses four ball joints (two upper and two lower), any of which can wear out over time. It is a best practice to replace all of the ball joints at once, even if only one is showing signs of excessive wear. A wheel alignment is not always required after changing ball joints. If the alignment was set with worn joints, it will need to be recalibrated after replacing the worn parts.
Best Ball Joints for Dodge Ram 2500 Top Picks:
- Carli Suspension DBJP
- Dynatrac CR92-2X3050
- XRF Lifetime Ball Joint Kit
- A-Team Performance 2-K7467 2-K7460X
- Detroit Axle 80052-4
| Carli Suspension DBJP | Dynatrac CR92 | XRF Lifetime Ball Joint Kit | A-Team Performance | Detroit Axle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  | |
| OEM Part Number | B00BSGXDWM | CR92-2X3050-A | K7460X 260-1580 45D0117 45D2311 | 2-K7467 2-K7460X | 80052-4 |
| Latest Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
Ball joints take a long time to fail, but most Dodge Rams will run 100,000 miles or more. This means you’ll likely need to replace one or more ball joints at some point in the car’s life. In our opinion, the Dynatrac Pro Steer Ball Joints are the best choice for the majority of Dodge Ram 2500 trucks. There are a lot of things that can factor into choosing one part over another. Some of the considerations are discussed below.
Size and Fit
The most important thing is to make sure the new ball joints fit your vehicle. The model year of your Dodge Ram will determine what type of ball joints it uses. There was a change made to the steering system during production of the 2013 model, so you’ll especially want to pay attention to what style of ball joints your truck takes if it was made in that year.
Four of the five ball joints on this list are sized to fit Dodge Rams made between 2003 and 2012. The exception is the Detroit Axle Upper & Lower Ball Joint Set, which is sized for older trucks. If your Ram is newer than 2013, consult a mechanic for the right ball joint replacements.
Durability
Some ball joints wear out faster than others, and certain driving conditions are more likely to cause wear. Driving on rough or uneven ground can speed up the wear on a ball joint, as can dirt or other grit in the joint, or insufficient lubrication.
Some high-end ball joints use heat treatment to harden the metal of the ball, making it more resistant to wear. Advanced lubrication styles can also prevent wear and tear.
If your Ram truck already has over 100,000 miles, it may not be worth it for you to get top of the line replacement ball joints, which are likely to outlast your vehicle. On the other hand, more durable ball joints will better withstand harsh driving conditions and may be a worthwhile investment if you drive often on dirt, gravel, and other uneven roadways.
Most durable ball joints: Carli Suspension DBJP Ball Joints Extreme Duty Dodge Ram
Price
There’s a huge variation in the price of replacement ball joints. Replacing all four can cost anywhere from a couple hundred bucks to nearly a thousand. Generally speaking, you’ll get what you pay for. More expensive ball joints last much longer and give you a smoother ride. Evaluate your budget and decide how much you’re willing to spend for better performance.
Most affordable ball joints: Detroit Axle Upper & Lower Ball Joint Set
Most affordable ball joints (2003-2012 Ram trucks): A-Team Performance 4X4 Ball Joint Kit
Best Ball Joints for Dodge Ram 2500: Full Reviews
Carli Suspension DBJP
If you want the ultimate in terms of durability and performance from your new ball joints, these Carli Suspension DBJP Ball Joints are your answer. The technology used in these ball joints was perfected for use by aerospace companies. This translates to a ball joint that will likely outlast any Ram it’s put in.
The two most impressive features of the Carli Suspension ball joints are the heat treating and the dry lubricant coating. These ball joints are precision machined for absolute accuracy and then treated for ultimate hardness. This prevents most standard wear and tear, and the dry-lube coating is more durable than traditional lubricants.
Now, this level of performance does come with a price. A complete set of Carli Suspension ball joints is a huge investment — maybe more than you want to make on an older vehicle. From a pure quality perspective, though, they can’t be beaten.
Pros
- Improves response and handling of your steering system
- Heat treated for maximum wear resistance
- Durable dry lubricant coating
- Precision machined for accurate fit
- Ideal for Ram trucks with AAM front axle
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Some users report them feeling a bit tight after installation
Dynatrac CR92-2X3050
Another high-quality option for a Dodge Ram are the Pro Steer Ball Joints from Dynatrac. This full set includes everything you need to install your new ball joints, and they’re sized to fit perfectly in Dodge Ram 2500s made from 2003 to 2012.
When you install the Dynatrac Pro Steer ball joints, you’ll notice a marked improvement in your Ram’s handling and suspension. The drive will feel smoother, even on rough roads. This makes them perfect for working trucks or off-roaders.
Unlike cheaper ball joints, Dynatrac Pro Steer ball joints can be re-built after you install them, giving you more control over how tight your steering is. They’re a pro-level product, for sure—they’re pretty pricey, and they’re not the easiest to install. They’re worth the investment, though, if you want a durable, smooth replacement ball joint.
Pros
- Designed for Dodge Ram 2500 (2003-2012)
- Stainless steel ball is precision-ground and heat treated
- Tighter steering with better handling
- Can be rebuilt on the vehicle
- Wear-resistant Teflon coating on wear points
Cons
- Pro-level price point
- Tricky to install
XRF Lifetime Ball Joint Kit
Good ball joint kits don’t have to cost a fortune. This kit from XRF is around $200 and replaces the upper and lower ball joints on both driver and passenger sides of the truck. Even better, should you ever have a problem with the joint failing again, they carry a lifetime free-replacement warranty. They’ll be the last ball joints you ever buy.
This is a newly-improved design that uses an internal dust boot to prevent grease loss. One of the best features often left out these days is the presence of grease nipple fittings so that you can grease the joints and keep them well-lubricated. The upper and lower ball joints are all new, not rebuilt parts that are designed to fit Dodge Ram 2500 & 3500 4×4 trucks built between 2003 and 2012/13.
Pros
- Great value option for replacing ball joints
- Excellent manufacturing quality -made in a state-of-the-art factory in Taiwan
Cons
- Low-cost ball joints tend to wear out more frequently than other designs, though no buyers have reported early wear issues with these parts
A-Team Performance 2-K7467 2-K7460X
The A-Team Performance 4X4 Ball Joint Kit is another excellent choice in the mid-level price point. It’s a great value for a complete set to replace the ball joint in a Dodge Ram 2500, especially considering A-Team Performance ball joints typically last longer than the factory ball joints.
The design of these A-Team Performance ball joints is straightforward but thoughtful. They include greaseable ball sockets and are a reliable way to restore the drivability of a loose, failing steering system. If you looking for the best grease for ball joints click here.
Our only complaint against these A-Team Performance ball joints is that they’re not adjustable. If they’re not perfect when you install them, you can’t tweak the alignment to match your needs. For most Ram trucks, though, they’re a drop-in replacement, no adjustment needed.
Pros
- Greaseable upper and lower joints
- Designed to fit Dodge Ram 2500 trucks from 2003-2013
- Last longer than most original ball joints
- Ideal for restoring steering alignment
- Good balance of quality and value
Cons
- Can’t be adjusted
Detroit Axle 80052-4
If your Dodge Ram 2500 is older than 2003, these Detroit Axle ball joints are the right fit for your truck. As an added bonus, they’re the cheapest ball joints on the list—less than $50 for the entire set. They’re built to match the specs of the original ball joints and provide a performance and longevity on par with OEM ball joints.
Pros
- Most affordable choice
- Works with older Dodge Ram trucks (1994-1999)
- Designed to match specs of original ball joints
- Include greaseable fittings
- On-point alignment and tight steering
Cons
- Not as durable as other ball joint models
- Nuts that come with ball joints don’t fit all vehicles
The Final Word on Ball Joints
When you’re shopping for the best ball joints for a Dodge Ram 2500, it comes down to two key factors: what year your truck was made, and how durable you need your new ball joints to be. As you can see, there are a wide range of options out there that will fit your vehicle. Best of luck in finding the ideal replacement ball joints to get your Dodge Ram
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- How to Replace Front Struts on a Toyota Tundra
- Best Ball Joints for Jeep JK
- Best Mud Flaps for RAM 2500 – Ultimate Guide