2000 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4. WHILE CRESTING A HILL ON A MAINTAINED GRAVEL ROAD TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH BRAKES WERE APPLIED. CONTROL OF VEHICLE WAS LOST. VEHICLE STRUCK BERM ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD AND RETURNED TO CENTER OF ROAD. VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER SLIDING ABOUT 50 YARDS TO THE BOTTOM OF A DOWNGRADE. UPON EXITING VEHICLE IT WAS FOUND THAT BOTH FRONT/ LEFT BALL JOINTS HAD FAILED, CAUSING TIRE/WHEEL ASSY. TO BUCKLE UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. DAMAGE TO STEARING COMPONENTS AND AXLE ALSO OCCURED. CHRYSLER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND A REP IS BEING SENT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. *AK