Six problems related to ball joint have been reported for the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My vehicle has repeatedly experienced severe shaking of the front end while traveling at speeds of 65 to 70 mph after hitting a bump such as the transition of a bridge approach slab. I have had the recall check of the tie-rod, and have even tried a beefier tie rod with bracing. The only way to stop the violent shaking is to slow to less than 40 mph. I know this has been a repeated experience of Dodge ram drivers based on forum discussions. I have had 2 sets of ball joints replaced as a result of the violent shaking. This last time this occurred, I was with my wife traveling to the coast. The shaking was so severe, we nearly hit a guard rail. I can't hardly believe that Dodge has designed such a fatal flaw into a vehicle.
At higher speeds the front end starts to shake violently (death wobble) to the point of loosing control, you have to come to a complete stop to get it to stop which can be a problem when driving on the freeway I've took it to the dealer and they said it was the ball joints so I had them replaced it didnt help I also replaced the shocks and steering dampner all this at my own expense. I've had the truck in twice for recalls on the tie rod ends also. From the reasearch I have done online it seems that alot of owners are having the same trouble with no help from Dodge to correct the problem.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 15 mph, the passenger side front tie rod fell on the ground. The vehicle was towed to a local garage. The failure was located within the ball joints which separated due to defective material. A local mechanic replaced the steering pitman, steering arm, the cross shaft, nuts and bolts. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000 and the current mileage was 36,250. Updated 06/26/12 the consumer stated he could not just replace the failed part. He had to purchase the entire steering assembly, due to it being an upgrade. The cost of the steering assembly was $618. 61. Updated 06/27/12.
While driving 60mph the front end of the vehicle suddenly shook excessively and became difficult to control. Upon stopping the car I found the drag link for right side had split and detached from ball joint. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and I was informed that the entire steering assembly needed to be replaced. Dodge has a known problem with this and no longer makes or supplies this failed part. This repair and replacement is at my cost and not covered under any recall or warranty. I was instructed the recall had been performed in April of 2011 and no action was needed at that time.
The contact owns 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact was driving 5 mph when the contact heard a loud noise from the front end of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and found that the front driver side tie-rod was fractured. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic to have the tie-rod replaced. The mechanic also noticed the passenger side tie-rod was faulty and the ball joints were defective. The contact stated that a crash could have occurred if the vehicle was on the highway during the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000. Kmj.
When you run over a bump or seam in the road with the right front tire and then immediately after with the left front tire, the front of the truck starts bouncing uncontrollably until the speed of the truck is reduced drastically. This occurs with speeds between 55 and 80 mph. It occurs approximately once per month, you never know the next time it happens. The ball joints and steering box were rebuilt with new numbered parts and has not corrected the front suspension problem.