description...Arm Lower FP#5105040-AD / description...arm lower 17011015, several parts were replaced on the vehicle before replacing the lower arm/ball joint 9/08/08. now 12/15/2010 approx.,60.000 both joints lower arms are worn out, so in reality a properly made /designed ball joint(s) should/ might began showing signs of wear under fairly rough conditions at around est,60.000. As I have reported my concerns to Chrysler, its my personal belief from what I experience and are seeing and information sent, they have been and are aware of the condition or should be.Keep in mind this is the second lower arm /ball joint with in 2.000 miles (1) new of course 13 miles(2) replaced 1,358 miles. The speed at which the these joints are wearing out is mind blowing and left unattended can be expected to be very dangerous with in 20.000---40.000 miles depending on driving habits and road conditions. First test lift hood lower driver side window ,turn key to where steering wheel can be moved/turned back and fourth. Now have some one that has some knowledge about how parts react when wear is present, located this person at an area where the joints can be seen and heard. Now with out motor running rock the steering wheel back and fourth firmly and quickly. Hear that clacking popping snapping , if its coming from the lower arm ball joint(s) more investigation is in order. Note: It is likely that the ball joint on the front passenger side will show more wear than the drivers side, i believe because the drive axle provides more power to the passenger side in turn causing much more stress on the already faulty design "in my option". At this time due to concerns of many others including my self I have refused to take my vehicle in to the dealership because of their lack of knowledge or dancing around issues and concerns, I've connected www.safercar.gov or 1-888-327-4236 they stated that the balljoints would be inspected by their engine-neers. Already contacted your state attorney general ? don't waste your time, the dealership or manufacturer has no legal reason to reply and will likely not. I have written the Capitol : Office Of The Speaker H-232 the Capitol Washington, DC 20515, bringing to their attention the lack of Justice for consumers / customers that sign into a ARBITRATION DISCLOSURE/ AGREEMENT and request (1) Until laws or regulations can be put in place to protect us as citizens customers consumers etc., that dealerships must place in newspaper(s) with in the state of operation(s) their Arbitration disclosures/agreements/contracts etc. (2) Law requiring that a dealership and or manufacturer must reply with in a reasonable time to any State Attorney Generals' Office in or on behalf of a consumer/customer. I urge you to make written notice of concern to your senators,congress,governor etc., don't keep it "party line" make request to all and be sure your state governors office gets copies of your legal efforts regarding new law(s) regulation(s) etc. Think there's enough regulations/laws? me too, but automotive manufactures are/have powers far beyond what should be expected. I have been lied to/deceived/tricked and generally treated as a burden, well if your credit report has been effected, consider filing a complaint of problems with the vehicle to the credit report agency. What grinds me hard is as citizens of these United States Of America bailed these automotive manufactures out from certain doom yet we allowed to be jacked every and any chance they can. Don't you think it fair that our ability to seek legal justice Not be limited ? Have a friend/family wanting to buy a new vehicle ? give them the gift of reading your ARBITRATION DISCLOSURE/AGREEMENT on your CONTRACT before they go to a dealership. Remember automotive manufactures and dealerships get away with their un-willingness to address our problems regarding their products because they can. Note to Chrysler: I'd suggest you start taking better care of your consumers/customers concerns/ complaints, because Its my belief your not getting bailed out again. Replace your love of money by correcting these vehicle(s) defaults with real fixes with out being made to do so by our government agencies. So us good faith efforts on your part that don't require consumers to go far beyond whats expected to seek moral and fair repair(s) and treatment, all consumers are not without knowledge or wisdom most of us purchased our product in an effort to help America by buying America. Are you trying to force us to buy vehicles from over seas? well your winning me over. best regards, williamlouisiana

Update from Jan 17, 2011: todays date 1-17-2011: Addition to my complaint /concern(s), after the dealerships aprox. first three failed attempts to address the vehicle issues I took it up on my self to use common sence to size up the problem. (1) most important is the ball joints on the lower arm(s) it lacks a solid design feature to properly support the bottom of the ball joint.(2) This problem is greatly compounded by the use of the powerful gas struts used on the vehicles.note: The ball joints when combined with the older and proven design of oil filled struts/ shocks provide a much higher life to the design, oil filled struts are NOT available for Chryslers design here. Because of the stronger resistance gas struts causing a hammering affect on the joint(s) forcing the ball joint to be driven toward the bottom. Once wear is in place then you have the force downward then the pulling upwards on the ball joints as the wheel bounces up and down. The strut(s) and ball joint(s) design exsist in a battle against each other where nither can win. Note: in a world where automanufactures are trying to leave oil filled designs such as struts, shocks, power stering oil pumps etc., the engineneers fail to take into account the proven design of oil filled devices work much different in design than gas,electric,air etc. So what am I saying ?" The Ball Joints on these lower arms are a default in design!" Chrysler, you think Iam wrong? hire me and lets get-er done. Unless you already spent millions on new engineers we'll just let them screw up again.

Update from Sep 14, 2012: I have replaced the control arms with the third party parts.Now 9-14-12 about ninty seven thousand miles on the vehicle, these control arms are not showing abnormal wear, so my belief that the parts supplied on the vehicle as new are faulty in design must be correct. These third party control arms have preformed and are holding up as a well designed /made product should, and have out lasted what come on the vehicle new as well as the replaced one(s). Unless dodge has had their control arms redesigned you will continue replacing them well before you should.

check out the transmission problems for other info on this vehicle...williamlouisiana