2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Great ball joint tool!

[Texis]

I recently had to replace my left front caliper, hose, rotor, etc. While it was up, I notice the bottom ball joint was loose. Surprised me because I typically get 100,000+ out of these joints and it only has 60,000ish. As it turned out, It wasn't the joint but rather the retaining nut was loose, which caused the ball joint's tapered stud into the C-knuckle to flop around.. what to do?

I figured out that the nut is 33mm, found this tool and order one off Ebay (Kent-Moore J-44664). The tool is made for a Dana rear steer truck axle.. but bam! perfect fit, slips right under the u-joint and on the nut. Once hooked to a breaker bar it pulled the ball joint stud up very tight. All slop gone!

VERY NICE, 5 min fix without taking the entire front hub, spindle assembly apart to access that nut. Best $30 bucks I have spent in years!!! I'm fixed up now and have the right tool for installing the next set of ball joints when the time comes.

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[SSage]

Yikes, thats not fun to find.

 

[klcammie]

Thanks for the info. Great that fix was simple.

 

[wlowe]

Does anybody know what years this wrench will work on. I have a 2001, are the ball joints the same as a 1997.

 

[Texis]

If the 2001 has the Dana 60 front axle, then it should fit.