Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Ball Joints ALL shot...

[USMCBay]

Any good links to replacing all rubber in the front end?



Isn't there a photo out there with arrows pointing to what is what in the front end. I have two new Ball Joints on the bottom but all other rubber is shot.

 

[kenny61]

which truck? 87 or 2003

 

[USMCBay]

which truck? 87 or 2003

The '97...

 

[kenny61]

I got the service manual I'll see if I can scan a page. Now what do you mean by the rubber? Didn't your DI teach you to be clear and specific?

 

[DValentine]

I am in the same boat on my 98. Don't know if all it the same between years, Kenny, but I would be interested in your scanned material.

D

 

[kenny61]

Tell me waht specificall you want and i will see what I xcan do

 

[hsmith]

I did my joints and did not do the ca bushings, now they are noisy. Not that bad a job. I recommend removing the arms completely. Would not hurt to have some heat handy also.

 

[USMCBay]

Didn't your DI teach you to be clear and specific?

My DI's taught me not to say anything and how to make it rain with Sand... and we all had to lay on our backs and look up. Guess that will help when working on the front end. :-laf

 

[kenny61]

Ahhh the old sand pit... ... . Now what rubber you talkin about son?

 

[USMCBay]

All of the Rubber on the Steering linkages... the upper rubber that holds the A-Frames and the U-joints going to my 4x4 front end... the lowers are new. I wish that I could upload a stinkin picture here...



One is at the end of what I believe is called the Pitman arm of the steering?



I don't know too well the front end of a dodge. Well when it comes to what it's called anyway.



Here in a couple of months that will all change!:{

 

[kenny61]

Boy I hope your not an 03!!!. By rubber I think you mean bushings. I hope your not talking about the rubber covers on the tie rods and ball joints. At any rate heres a pic that shows the components by name. Then ask again what you want to do and I will walk you threw it Ive rebuilt mine a few times already. The pitman arm is connected to the steering box. off of the pitman arm comes that drag link on the opposite end of the drag link is the passenger side tie rod end which connects to the steering knuckle. the long bar that comes off the drag link is another tie rod and the part that connect to the drivers knuckle is the tie rod end. the bar that goes from the frame to the top axle and runs from the left to right side of the truck is called the track bar. the two bars that run from the axle (2 on each side) towards the back of the truck are called the upper and lower suspension bars. You do have a solid front axle on your truck right? I'll tell you all about the u joints too but you gotta tell me what your trying to do /fix/repair



Semper Fi.

 

[kenny61]

D valentine I'l help you out the best I can just tell me what you need its not easy to get the manual on my scanner. I need a friend in Montana if I move out there and at least a tour guide / advisor for when I go out in a year or to for a recon

 

[DValentine]

Not to steal the thread... I am about to do all the ball joints. Right now I only have a chilton's manual. I am wondering about the axle seals. I am sure one is leaking now. I believe that I have to remove the axles to do the ball joints. To do the seals I believe that the ring gear and carrier have to come out. I was just looking for detailed instructions on the steps involved in doing the ball joints. I might just have to get with Geno's and get a manual on the truck. I am sure it will pay for itself.

Come on out to MT. I am close to Billings. I like the West side of the state better. But am here because of work. Pm me about what side of the state you might want to live in. Trees in the West or Sagebrush in the East.

Dave

 

[kenny61]

The axles dont have to be pulled out to do the ball joints. but once you pull the hub out of the knuckle the axles will just pull out of the axle tube. You will need a press or a ball joint tool to remove and install the new joints into the knuckle. The carrier need to be pulled out of the front diff to change the seals. You can pry it out and hammer it back in with a dead blow hammer or regular hammer and a block of wood. I can give you more technical instructions if needed. I'll let you know about the Montana Invite it's one of the staes I'm interested in