Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500

Let me start by stating that I've been driving for over 33 years and have an impeccable driving record. This is what happened. I was driving on the interstate at approx. 65 mph. I was changing lanes when I hit a few small bumps in the road. My truck immediately started shaking violently and uncontrollably. I pulled to breakdown lane while slowing the vehicle. The truck didn't stop shaking until approx. 30 mph, though it was still shaking, I had never encountered such a loss of control before for no apparent reason. I decided to see if there was anything about this issue on the web. I was amazed at what I found. This phenomenon is dubbed 'death wobble'. Though it seems this in not an uncommon event, no-one seems to be able to pinpoint the problem that caused the violent shaking. There are lots of differing opinions. My mechanic checked out truck and I was told that other than very slight wear in drivers side upper and lower ball joints, everything was tight. I've since replaced upper and lower ball joints even though my mechanic told me they weren't bad enough to warrant replacement. I've also replaced shimmy shock on stabilizer and installed aftermarket stabilizer after researching this problem even more. We also realized previous owner had numerous new parts installed too. Seems as though he was chasing this as well. Since replacing these, this has happened 2 more times. This is extremely dangerous and I won't even go over 55 mph on the interstate. Is Dodge aware of this issue? and what about recalls? I've looked and cannot find any recalls that pertain to this problem. The suspension itself seems flawed even though I cannot pinpoint one failed component in itself. Thank you.

I owned my Dodge Ram 2500 pick up truck for 4 years. I have a state vehicle inspection every year and I had no problem in April of 2006. In April of 2007 I was informed by the dealership that both the upper and lower ball joints on the passenger side needed replacement. I have a total of 28,300 miles on the vehicle, only 5,000 of which were accumulated between April of 2006 and April 2007. I am retired.

2003 Dodge 2500 4x4 pu reported rattling noise front end at low speed. Under warranty 3/36 vehicle taken in dealer manager reports upper lower ball joints gone. Upon checking on vehicle status next day dealer reports misdiagnosis and sway arm control needs only replacement. Dealer never intended to inform owner (me) of change. Interestingly they changed position and are now trying to sell me into extended warranty with only 1500 mile left on 3/36.

Upper and lower ball joints fail with very low mileage. I know of three owner 3 truck that the ball joints failed, causing the truck to handle wrong, shake and bounce out of control. Dodge will not fix, the cost is over 1,000. Mine failed at 35,000 mile all the trucks failed below 40,000,this on a 35,000 dollar truck.

The national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation on July 22, 2003 concerning 1998 - 2003 Dodge durango vehicles to address complaints regarding front suspension ball joints. What is the status of the investigation, and what are you doing about this problem experienced by so many. My suspension ball joint went bad and broke while fixing something else. It was not covered by the warranty. Obviously it was a defective part and or design of the vehicle, and that was unacceptable to make the customer pay for the mistakes by Dodge.

My 2003 Ram 2500 has been nothing but trouble. In first two years the bearings/hubs, u-joints, upper/lower ball joints have all been replaced, I have spent over $2000. 0 in front end parts alone. My friend has a 2003 dually, he has replaced all the same parts. Also, an injector line rupture on christmas eve, while I was in rural maine, needless to say it got very expensive, once they found a part in michigan. All I can say is no more Dodges for me or my family, buying a Toyota or Nissan next time. The Dodge is a $40,000 piece of crap. . . . Tf.

I currently have a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. At 50,000 miles the dealer notified me that the upper and lower ball joints are showing wear. At 55,000 the front end started to make noise. As soon as I heard the noise I drove the vehicle over to don miller Dodge. When the dealer contacted me, informing me that all ball joints need to be replaced. This is not cover under the 7/70 Dodge warranty. The price tag for the work came out to $1200. After hanging up the phone, I contacted Dodge directly and told them of the problem. They acknowledged that I had great maintenance reports, but since I had placed new tires on the vehicle at 45,000 and increased the tire from 275 to 285 (. 5" difference). There is nothing they can due for me. I contacted several Dodge dealers in the area and spoke with the service departments. This is a know problem with the 02-03 Dodge durangos and 02-03 Dodge ram pickup's. Dodge ref#13452182 I find this performance from a so called heavy duty vehicle highly disappointing. This is my second Dodge ram. I upgraded from my 1999 1500 gas to the 2500 diesel heavy duty just to avoid these types of problems. If I would not have gone to the deal right away. This could have resulted in losing the front tire. Causing injury or worse. Similar to what happens with the 03 durango. I lucky enough to recognize the change in steering. If my wife was driving she would not have been able to recognize the problem until it was to late. I will obtain the old part from the dealer.

The consumer experienced a problem with the upper and lower ball joints. When driving over a bump in the road, the consumer could feel the movement of the ball joints in it's socket which caused the vehicle to pull to the left. Owner took the vehicle in to have it aligned when it was discovered that the ball joints were cracked. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and was told there was nothing they could do. Provide further details.

From day one of owning my 2500 ram it seemed out of alignment. I took it to the dealer in las vegas where I purchased the vehicle and I was told it was fine. Then upon moving to colorado I again took it to a dealer and was told the same thing. A year later I noticed severe wear on the front tires, indicating the vehicle was out of alignment. I took it to a different dealer and was told at 38,000 miles I needed both the upper and lower ball joints replaced to the tune of 1,400! I declined and took it to a local repair shop. Also the dealer told me to consider an eliptical shaped ball joint in lieu of the standard ball shaped. Anyway, the local repair shop replaced them. Still I hear this is a common problem and there should be a recall.