The lower ball joints on a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 are of the press-in type with a snap ring on the top-side for security. Ball joints can be inspected for wear by using a floor jack to raise the vehicle by the lower control arm on the side in question. The ball joints should be replaced as soon as you notice wear---worn ball joints can severely affect the steering in a Dodge Ram.
Raise and support the vehicle with a jack stand on the side the work is to be preformed. Remove the wheel with the lug wrench. Remove the tie-rod end cotter pin using the wire cutters.
Remove the nut on the tie-rod end stud using a wrench. Insert the ball joint separator tool between the tie-rod end and the spindle. Strike it with a hammer until the ball joint pops out of its tapered hole in the spindle.
Remove the cotter pins from the top and bottom ball joint studs. Place the floor jack under the lower control arm close to, but not touching the lower ball joint. Raise the lower control arm just until it begins to lift the vehicle.
Remove the nuts on both the upper and lower ball joints. Remove the brake caliper by extracting the two bolts holding the caliper to the mounting bracket using the ½-inch-drive ratchet and socket. Insert the ball joint separator between the upper ball joint and the upper control arm and strike it with a hammer until it comes loose. Do the same for the lower ball joint.
Lift the upper control arm ball joint out of the spindle. Push the upper control arm up to gain clearance to remove the spindle. Lift the spindle off the lower ball joint and lay it aside.
Remove the snap ring securing the ball joint on the top-side of the lower control arm using the snap ring pliers. Remove the ball joint using the ball joint installer kit. Slide the smaller driver pipe over the ball joint stud and the larger receiver pipe on the bottom side of the control arm. Position the large clamp over both pipes and press the ball joint out using the ½-inch-drive ratchet and socket.
Screw the new grease fitting in the bottom of the new ball joint and tighten with a wrench. Install the new ball joint by reversing the pipes and, once again, using the clamp to press it in. After it is all the way in, remove the tool and install the snap ring on the ball joint.
Install the spindle and remaining parts in reverse order of removal. Grease the ball joint before putting the wheel back on.
