Ali Mansour
Brand Manager, 4WD & Sport Utility
When we immerse ourselves in this never-ending cycle of modifying trucks, we sometimes forget the basic concept that for every action there must be an equal and opposite reaction. While many of the parts and components we bolt, weld, or hang onto our vehicles improve them for our intended uses, from time to time these add-ons uncover a vehicle's weak links.
The crew at Carli Suspension is tough on their late-model Dodges. After needing to replace the stock upper ball joints for the fifth time after a wheeling outing, they said "enough is enough" and threw themselves into some serious R&D to find a way to keep the front end of their 3/4-ton alive for longer. As a result of this research, they found that they were not alone: The upper ball joints in the '03-'08 Dodge Ram 3/4- and 1-ton 4x4s seemed to be a common problem and a factory weak link among heavy Mopar wheelers.
After spending more than a year brutally testing and accumulating thousands of miles, Carli Suspension unveiled its Extreme Duty upper ball-joint set for the '03-'08 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4x4s. Comprised of heat-treated 4130 chromoly and doused with a specifically formulated dry lube coating, the massive factory replacement ball joint is designed to withstand the increased pressure and forces induced by larger tire-and-wheel packages along with heavy off-roading. Lubed with Redline synthetic grease, the Carli ball joints are an easy way to upgrade your Dodge Ram's AAM front axle and can be knocked out in your driveway or by a knowledgeable tech in about two hours. These joints are an easy and smart upgrade intended to keep your truck on the trail and save you some serious time and money.
1. To save time-and since the steering knuckle needs to be detached-we removed the four bolts that connect the unit bearing to the knuckle, then slid it out as one unit with the axleshafts attached. The overall breakdown takes less than an hour per side and can be done in your driveway using a floor jack, jackstands, and tools every automotive enthusiast usually has.
