98 4x4 Dakota: Did they come with greasable ball joints?

[BigJ]

Yeah I know this is a Ram forum and I've asked this on a Dakota forum... but its basically dead. Thought I'd take a shot over here :D

Anyone know? My (2nd owner) 98 Dak has zerks on its upper and lower ball joints. I thought I'd read they didn't come greasable from the factory. If true, that would mean someone along the line has replaced the joints, and that would help me figure into my parts list when it comes time to rebuild the front.

Thanks!

[Tbird100636]

Yeah I know this is a Ram forum and I've asked this on a Dakota forum... but its basically dead. Thought I'd take a shot over here :D

Anyone know? My (2nd owner) 98 Dak has zerks on its upper and lower ball joints. I thought I'd read they didn't come greasable from the factory. If true, that would mean someone along the line has replaced the joints, and that would help me figure into my parts list when it comes time to rebuild the front.

Thanks!
Lowers were greasable from the factory up to 99 or 2000, the zerk fiting was on the front of the lower control arm. Uppers weren't from the factory. Definetely has aftermarket uppers.

[BigJ]

Lowers were greasable from the factory up to 99 or 2000, the zerk fiting was on the front of the lower control arm. Uppers weren't from the factory. Definetely has aftermarket uppers.Gotcha. Good deal. I think I'm set for a while then in this department. Jacked her up under the arm, crowbarred the tire and felt almost no play vertically. Side to side, on the other hand is rediculous; maybe a full 1.5" each way? I can see if moving in the tie rod ends, the pittman and idler too. The steeringbox isnt moving so I'm ok there (I hope.)

Thanks again!

[Tbird100636]

Gotcha. Good deal. I think I'm set for a while then in this department. Jacked her up under the arm, crowbarred the tire and felt almost no play vertically. Side to side, on the other hand is ridiculous; maybe a full 1.5" each way? I can see if moving in the tie rod ends, the pittman and idler too. The steeringbox isnt moving so I'm ok there (I hope.)

Thanks again!
With it jacked up under the arm did you push in on the top of the wheel to check the uppers??? You should have no play in the tie rod ends or the rest of the linkage.