2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ball joints...a tough job?

[sonorakitch]

Hi all,



Well, the ball joints are worn out on the old 94, and I need to replace them. I priced some greasable ball joints at AutoZone for about $140 for the set of four. My question: what kind of job is it to replace these things? I did it on my previous Ram at a front end shop and paid $400. 00. I found it too expensive, and now I need to do it myself. Do you have to pull the axle spline?



Thanks in advance.



~Chris

 

[Jeff Knight]

Yes you have to pull the axles. The hardest part is getting the front end torn apart if you haven't had it apart in a while. Put anti seize on th machine surface when you put it back together. Hope this helps. Jeff

 

[K_Arts]

How do you tell when your ball joints are warn? I have no idea no how to check them.



Thanks



Kev

 

[bighammer]

I had as much negative camber as the back of an old BMW. I could clearly see I needed new ones. When you hit the brakes and hear a clunk, it maybe time. Jack it up and shake the wheels.

 

[Oxjockey]

When I did them on my 95, only the lower one was shot, so there was no discernable movement during inspection. You'll want to get a ball joint tool from some place like OTC or Harbor Freight, it'll make removal very easy. Might want to swap out ujoints while you're in there. The HF/OTC tool cannot accomodate D60 ujoints, so you'll need a press for those.



Bryan

 

[sonorakitch]

Hi all,



Thanks for the advice. I was afraid I would have to pull an axle. I still have to sit back and assess my car-fixing abilities before I start this one.



K_Arts: I found out by jacking up the truck and shaking the tire, holding at the top and bottom. There was a lot of play there. I have been struck with the death wobble twice in the recent months, and I wonder if these ball joints are a cause or an effect.



~Chris

 

[Oxjockey]

You'll need some special tools, for sure. You'll need the big sockets to get the unit bearing nut off, then other size sockets and open ends for the ball joint nuts. Need a torque wrench, and 12 pt 13mm socket for the unit bearing. A puller won't hurt either, because the unit bearing sometimes doesn't want to come off the knuckle.



EDIT: If you get a 45 degree zerk for the upper ball joint, don't use it. You'll knock it off with one quarter turn of the axle shaft.



Bryan

 

[Hummin Cummins]

I found I need a lower ball joint also. Been thinking about this job myself. I just had the shop do one in my wifes blazer. 240. 00 later

I also need rotors, so its gonna be an all at once deal for me as soon as finances allow. C'mon guys give me all the info I can get. I'm mechanically inclined, but the first time is always scary.

Chris

 

[azcummins]

sonorakitch-

I had my truck in AZ for 3 years before I moved up here to Colorado and my axles came apart fine. I had 70k miles on them which included one Colorado winter. I think yours will come apart fine.