2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ball joints / front axle u joints

[kenny61]

Getting ready to redo the front end again.



Ball joints anything new and better out their besides moogs that only last me 3 years?



Front axle u-joints, I constantly blow out/twist up the front axle u-joints.

Sometimes I can get by just replacing the ujoint other times I have to replace the axle. I only drive with the 4 wheel drive 2-4 times a year when it snows going into work. The only other time i use 4wd is when i have to back a trailer up my drive way. It's on a hill and i have to turn the wheel all the way to cut the angle. I'm always easy on the clutch no 4wd burnouts. Anybody else twist these things up?

 

[JGK]

If you can get by with 2 wheel drive to back the trailer up and only use 4 wheel low for the speed, I'd suggest a 2 wheel low kit to keep the front axle unlocked but still have the lower drive ratio. The binding of the front axle with the hard turn on dry ground is hard on the system. The fact that you've had to replace the u-joints repeatedly would seem to support that.



As to the ball joints, you'll get lots of suggestions. I just did Luke's Links on my track bar and drag link. The tie rod was still OK. We'll see how those go. A friend did his '98 a year ago and its been tight and no need for shimming so far.



-Jay

 

[kenny61]

driveway is dirt and rock If the loads heavy enough as soon as the rears touch it I got to go into 4 wheel problem is the fronts are still on the pavement for a bit. I dont mind the ujoints so much its the darn axle's Usually the outer that I dont like paying for