“I bought these to replace the factory uppers which the ball joints that were walking out. After looking at other products, I purchased the slightly more expensive JBA and no doubt made the right decision.
First, I repair my own vehicles, with the JBA bolt in style ball joints, if I get tied up and need to replace them on the road side, I can. No press needed, No snap ring, very little fuss and a standard part should be available at any parts store until I could order a JBA replacement.
Second, these things are built! Welds are beautiful. Grease fittings. Holes for factory wire harness. Race quality.
I immediately noticed my wheels camber straightened out after install. My wheels have a -18 offset with 35's and there is still an inch of clearance from the ball joint.
American company, answered my questions as soon as they received my email, fast shipping. Keep up the good work JBA.”
“Don't unintentionally put one pump too many of grease in the joint. Unlike conventional boots at the first sign of grease entering the joint STOP ✋. The ball joint attachment nut will rub the boot when it flexes and ruin the boot. The Zip strip used to secure boot also rubs and instantly, you have a ruptured boot. Mounting bolts should be inverted to prevent the problem should one accidental over fill. The second you can see the boot is taking grease stop.. Product performance review check list is a trick on words also. 1/5 of how easy it was to install. Yeah very easy because in the Ram 1500 is built to make it an easy install. Not the product itself. My honest opinion.!.!. Great concept, study arms.. Needs further attention to detail are a least a label warning bringing attention to the friction points so one can tell their over zealous 13 yo nephew (3 PUMPS OF GREASE ONLY.)....”
“I replaced the old UCA of our 2011 RAM 1500 with these JBA units. Very well built and quality all around is great. Ride was improved with the geometry being in the stock range even with a Eibach 2.5" lift springs. Looks incredible. Why buy an overseas product when a JBA setup is made in PA, packaged with care and you can talk to a person that has a direct hand in the product for a very small amount more in price. Easy to lube and if there is ever an issues the bushings are easily replaceable.”
“2016 RAM 1500 Sport 4x4
SUSPENSION: Bilstein 5100 F/R set to max height of 2.8in
WHEELS: OEM 20x9
TIRES: Falken WIdpeak 295/60/20
INSTALLED: January 2021
REASON FOR REPLACEMENT: Could not locate or resolve a popping noise in the front end during slow parking lot turns that was progressively getting worse. Since the UCAs were an issue on Gen3 models, it made sense that this was likely the culprit with a raised geometry. I didn't choose other replacement options because most were stamped (like OEM) and I like to support local, hard-working business owners.
INSTALL: The included instructions made this install super-easy, it's an easily swapping part. I found after removal of the OEM UCA that the popping noise (during sharp, slow tuarns) was caused by the joints incrementally forcing themselves out of the arm.
EXPERIENCE: No more popping! The driving feel is definitely more controlled and I'm overall very happy with the purchase. Several notes of caution, or shall I say preparation, before installing. (1) You WILL have to get an alignment rather soon after installation from someone who has a lot of experience with Rams, as the wheels toe and camber are dramatically impacted due to the shorter arms. Envision the front wheels on a drift car. I used someone with 26-years experience aligning vehicles and he said I was maxed out. (2) If you have over-sized tires on OEM wheels, plan on purchasing wheel spacers, which then require adjustments to the wheel liners. A minor offset would allow the tires to clear the UCAs, as I only needed 1/2in, but went with 1.5in spacers to avoid cutting the studs.
The road was bumpy, but in the end I am happy with the results, especially the improved safety when hauling my family. The thoroughness in communication from ordering, shipment, delivery, to electronic information provided is bar none! Marlin does an outstanding job of trying to head off any assumptions a customer may make with the product or installation.”
