96 Ram balljoint replacement costs

[WS6]

I figured I would post this here since it is more of a opinion on the cost of the repairs versus a technical how to question. please move it if necessary mods.



So my dad has been told that only after 91k that his ball joints need to be replaced on his 96 ram. It's a 2wd that he has commuted with since new. Appearently they are making noise, but the truck tracks fine and there are no vibrations at high speeds. Does only 91k sound normal for this on the rams? What should this cost him? He was quoted over $800 for the upper and lower both sides. Is there anything odd about doing this on the dodges? I think the price is rediculous but I do not know the dodges well enough to know. I am half tempted to drive to Savannah, leave my car with him, and bring the truck back to the shop to do them myself.

[tumper93]

That price is not bad with it including parts. I would charge 6.5 hours to do it plus the alignment. Our labor rate is $80.00 per hour plus the parts. The parts book calls for 2 hours each per side plus the alignment. So YES that sounds right. Have you ever delt with truck coil springs? If not they are no laughing matter nor are they like cars. If you do try it don't go out and buy a spring compressor from a local parts house...go to a Snap On dealer and shell out your $250.00 and get one that wont strip the threads and let the spring go either before or after you remove it. Suspension work pays GOOD for a reason and it isn't always because it is hard work. The tools to do such things are often very costly not to mention the injury that you can sustain from something going wrong. I have done steering and suspension work for 13 years and when something goes wrong ,like a coil spring coming undone when compressed, you begin to be very safe and explain the dangers involved to the customers. Just my 2 cents worth of info for the day

[EFI69Cam]

That price is not bad with it including parts. I would charge 6.5 hours to do it plus the alignment. Our labor rate is $80.00 per hour plus the parts. The parts book calls for 2 hours each per side plus the alignment. So YES that sounds right. Have you ever delt with truck coil springs? If not they are no laughing matter nor are they like cars. If you do try it don't go out and buy a spring compressor from a local parts house...go to a Snap On dealer and shell out your $250.00 and get one that wont strip the threads and let the spring go either before or after you remove it. Suspension work pays GOOD for a reason and it isn't always because it is hard work. The tools to do such things are often very costly not to mention the injury that you can sustain from something going wrong. I have done steering and suspension work for 13 years and when something goes wrong ,like a coil spring coming undone when compressed, you begin to be very safe and explain the dangers involved to the customers. Just my 2 cents worth of info for the day

Good advice.

[OHCbird]

Yes- the 90's Rams have a history of killing ball joints and transmissions. Like he said- that quote isn't that bad, esp if by a reputable shop.