Zach

I'm getting everything together to do my ball joints over Thanksgiving. I will also be changing the universal joints in the front axle. Here is my list of stuff and questions I have.

1. Ball Joint press from Harbor Freight $29.99


Will I need any other adapters than what came with the kit?

2. Pickle Fork

3. Ball Joints. I found some greasable ball joints on ebay for $292. They are made by McQuay-Norris and have a lifetime warranty. part #FA2214 Lower ball joints and FA2215 Upper ball joints.

4. U Joints- I'm thinking about the greasable u joints from napa part #NUJ2100464

5. Loctite and Antiseize.


6. This write up. http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/balljoint.php

Does anyone know the torque specs for the hubs, balljoints, etc?

Anything else?

After your input I will consolidate a list with parts, prices, and links to make it easier for others. Thanks for any help.

rjm022

i would spend alittle more and get moog adjustable greaseable ball joints. i would get spicer greaseable u-joints, myself. you should also replace the axle u-joints since everything will be apart. you want precision 464 for those. (made by moog) cheapest place is rockauto.com- i may even have a 5% discount that could be used- i would have to check to see if it has expired-but i don;t think so.

mitternocht

I bought those McQuay-Norris ball joints and changed them out a few weeks ago. I also put on the Precision 464 u-joints. I can’t say anything about the Harbor Freight press, but the one I had didn’t have all the right adapters so I had to cut the studs off the old joints to make it fit. I also had to make adapters out of pipe.

The ball joints certainly don’t just pop right out. Be prepared to use a large hammer.

Also: Do some research into what it takes to get the wheel bearing assemblies off. They can be a bear. I wrecked one of mine by pulling it apart. You might need to press them out with the power steering.


This is from the manual.
INSTALLATION (of ball joints)
1. Position the steering knuckle on the ball studs.
2. Install and tighten lower ball stud nut to 47 N•m (35 ft. lbs.) torque. Do not install cotter pin at this time.
3. Install and tighten upper ball stud nut to 94 N•m (70 ft. lbs.) torque. Advance nut to next slot to line up hole and
install new cotter pin.
4. Retorque lower ball stud nut to 190–217 N•m (140–160 ft. lbs.) torque. Advance nut to next slot to line up hole
and install new cotter pin.
5. Install the hub bearing (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING - INSTALLATION).
6. Install tie-rod or drag link end onto the steering knuckle arm.
7. Install the ABS sensor wire and bracket to the knuckle. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedure.