2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Lower ball joint nut wont tighten....

[Diesel Gopher]

Doing the ball joints on my 02. How do you tighten the lower ball joint nut? I have it about threaded about half way up the joint, but now the ball joint just spins and the nut won't tighten anymore. Any help?? Thanks in advance.



Matt

 

[SRath]

You need to establish a tighter interference fit on the taper. Either put weight on the ball joint or use a block of wood and hammer to seat it tighter. Another method would be to remove the nut and use spacers or washers under the nut until the tapered stud fits tight enough to not spin.

 

[Diesel Gopher]

Thanks for the help. A bottle jack and a little pressure on the bottom of the joint allowed me to get a crescent on it to tighten it snug. Then took the jack away and it was firm enough to torque with a socket and torque wrench.





Matt