The Dorman BJ81186RD front upper ball joint for the 1994-1999 Dodge Ram 1500 and other vehicles links the steering knuckle to the upper control arm so the front wheel can steer and move with the suspension. As a Dorman ball joint from the RD line, it's made for vehicles that work hard.
- RD stands for rugged duty, a line made for severe-duty service such as off-road work, heavy hauling and towing
- Also suited to emergency vehicles that need maximum reliability, such as ambulances and off-road rescue trucks
- Housing of quenched and tempered steel rather than simple normalized steel, for a more durable part
- Exclusive protective coating on the housing for corrosion resistance
- Direct replacement designed to fit like the OE design in specified severe-duty applications, with improved durability
- Backed by chassis engineering and manufacturing experts in the United States and more than a century of automotive experience
A worn front upper ball joint can show up as a clunk over bumps, loose or wandering steering, or uneven front tire wear. Tie rod ends and control arm bushings can give those signs too, so pin down the source before you buy. With the vehicle parked and the engine off, look in the wheel well at the joint's boot for tears or leaking grease. Both front upper ball joints are usually replaced as a pair; this listing is one joint, and the front axle has one on each side.
This suspension ball joint is listed for a wide range of Dodge models, including the 1994-1999 Dodge Ram 2500 and the 1994-1996 Dodge Ramcharger. If your Dodge isn't named here, open the "Vehicles it fits" section and check your exact model and engine there.
Specifications
- Position: front upper
- Product line: Dorman RD (rugged duty)
- Housing material: quenched and tempered steel
- Housing finish: exclusive protective coating, corrosion-resistant
In the box
One front upper ball joint with the necessary hardware, which also has a corrosion-resistant coating.
Interchange: 52037674 · TC1650 · K7206T · TXMS25555 · JBJ7048
This part cross-references / interchanges with the following part numbers:
52037674, TC1650, K7206T, TXMS25555, JBJ7048
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this 1994-1999 Dodge Ram 2500 ball joint go in the front upper position?
Yes. Dorman BJ81186RD is a front upper ball joint for the 1994-1999 Dodge Ram 2500, and it also fits the 1994-1996 Dodge Ramcharger.
Do you have 1994-1999 Dodge Ram 1500 ball joints for the front upper position?
Yes. Dorman BJ81186RD is a front upper ball joint that fits the 1994-1999 Dodge Ram 1500; for another Dodge, open the "Vehicles it fits" section to check your model and engine.
Which hardware comes with the Dorman BJ81186RD upper ball joint?
The necessary hardware comes with this upper ball joint, and that hardware has a corrosion-resistant coating.
How is the housing on this RD ball joint made?
This upper ball joint's housing is quenched and tempered steel rather than simple normalized steel, finished with an exclusive protective coating for a more durable, corrosion-resistant part.
Is the Dorman RD upper ball joint built for towing and heavy hauling?
Yes. This upper ball joint is part of the RD (rugged duty) line, made for severe-duty service such as off-road work, heavy hauling and towing, and for emergency vehicles like ambulances.
