Check out cumminsforum.com ... all the info and advice you'll ever need can be found there. From my experience and research you won't have much better luck with any of the aftermkt upper ball joints ... greasable or not ... when plowing with the CTD. I'm definitely gonna consider the Carlis when the warranty is gone if I keep the truck. The labour cost is the biggest concern for me ... just not set up to that kind of work anymore ... nor the desire. They are sure spendy though. Surprised they haven't come up with a set of axle u-joints for this straight axle also.
You'ld think it would be cheaper for Dodge to use the Carlis (or similar) from the get go with the endless warranty labor they pay for on these front ends. At least make it part of the Plow Prep pkg.
Anyhow, good luck.

 

Mopard, thanks for the link.

Have done a bunch of reading, probably going to put in whatever the jobber has on the shelf the day I go to do the ball joints.

How do you like the 2 inch levelling kit? Does it make a difference with the plow?

 

Again, a day late......just had mine replaced this week.

 

Here's a pic after I levelled it. I also added Bilstein 5100 shocks, 2" swaybar drop blocks to maintain suspension geometry and Timbrens with 2" extensions up front.
I plowed the first season with the truck bone stock and was pretty disappointed then added the above and it was a HUGE improvement. Absolutetly night & day. Even rides and handles better without the plow.
Now I just need a little bigger tire as soon as these are worn.

 

Awesome ride I love the color.

 

Nice truck . Leveled is the way it should be

 

I love that its a reg cab/long box, I've been looking forever for one of those, didn't think they existed, apparently they do.

Great looking ride. If this truck sticks around I'm definitely looking into the leveling for the front end.

 

I love that its a reg cab/long box, I've been looking forever for one of those, didn't think they existed, apparently they do.

.

I have a reg cab

 

I've been giving this a decent amount of thought lately. If I can come across another HP 60 out of a 77.5-79 F250 pr F350 SRW, I'd be really tempted to order the axle brackets from Dodge and weld them on myself. Essentially it'd be the same thing as those Dynatrac (or whoever) free-spin kits, but it would also eliminate the ball joints in favor of King pins.

Hmm....

 

Good move. Dynatrac can even do the ABS conversion on the spindal and hub to make it plug and play if you want it.

 

Or swap in a Dana 60 that seems to be a tougher front end, starting to look like a good idea to me, not sure on the gearing and such but its an idea. I like the king pin idea, they are tough for sure.

 

The AAM 9.25 is essentially a Dana 60, sort of. So in reality, it would be a simple swap. I saw something similar on Pirate once, but I can't remember if the owner had stuck with the factory 5-link or if he'd build a regular double triangulated 4-link. Either way, I think it would be a worthwhile upgrade.

 

Here's a link that explains the ball joint problem with the AAM 925. Also has upgraded replacement parts and kits with the tools required.
http://www.quad4x4.com/Dodge%20Front%20Axle%20Parts%202003-up.htm

 

Has anyone run there axle u-joints ?
Need to do mine again. The last set the dealer put in did not last nearly as long as the originals.

 

That quad4x4 site has some good info.

Sounds like owning these 2500/3500 rams means keeping around spare ball joints just like the old Fords needed spare starter solenoids sitting in the glove box at all times.

 

My ball joints have not been done. 80k 4 years plowing with the 810 and the cummins is pretty good IMHDAO. The truck needs uppers now. I know the Super Dutys are lucky to see 50K with out ball joints.
So I cant complain.
I purchased Napa greasable ball joints, just not sure if I should use Napa u-joints or the ones from Quad.