2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Upper ball joint question for 2002

[KTobin]

While replacing my lower ball joints, I noticed that my upper ball joint studs will rotate vertically but have no side to side movement. I greased the upper joint till the zerk fitting popped out and grease started oozing out the hole where the fitting was. I was able to compress the stud about one half inch back into the casing removing the grease. Is this normal? I mean the half inch up and down with no sideways movement. Thanks



Kevin

 

[monkeyman]

It takes a lot to make it move side to side, you would not want a ball joint in your truck if you could move it that easy!
Rick

 

[Silver_Ram]

The 2002 has 2 different styles of ball joints, depending on build date. The early ones have ball joints that are pressed into the outer knuckle (the vacuum disconnect axle) and the later ones have the ball joints that are pressed into the inner knuckle (like the 3rd Gens with no vacuum disonnect axle). The 3rd Gen style ball joints don't seem to hold up as well.



I have noticed that the 3rd Gen style uppers have some vertical movement in them. Never measured how much, but you can feel & see them move. Once everything is put together, they seem to work fine and don't move up & down once assembled. Doesn't matter whether they are Mopar or Moog. I had contacted Moog and was told this was normal.