D-44 ball-joints (neglected)

[Bully Bob]

While cleaning/inspecting (Dana 44) my brothers (EB) front brakes, something made me give a tug on the RF hub & sure enough, the bottom "ball joint" is worn & loose. (driver side is fine)

This is something folks should check on their rigs as there's no obvious "feeling" this is going on.

(I would assume tire ware would be the 1st. clue.)

Having said that,...... are they (joints) replaceable one at a time, or, does the whole knuckle need to come off..? (both joints)

Will I need to use my press, or, a BFH ...? b-(

Thanks,

Bob

--UP-DATE-- I located my Chilton & they make it look/sound like minor brain surgery...is it that bad of a job..?

 

[STLKIKN]

Bully,

yep, but it ain't rocket science.

You will probably be better off renting/ borrowing a proper ball joint press

than trying to use a hydraulic shop press (a little less awkward) If you're careful enough a bfh should knock em out ( I don't recommend removing them this way, you can damage/ distort the knuckle, but you'll damage the ball joints trying to install em like that!

Also time to do a full bearing repack, spindle bearing inspection/ repack, and maybe do those pesky axle u-joints too since you're gonna have the axles out...

and yep, the knuckles gonna be lying on the floor at some time during this operation.

 

[Bully Bob]

Thanks Mr. 'KIKN,

I think I can handle that, ..... it's now on the "to-do" list..!

Bob

 

[Broncoholics]

The hammer trick works for me. At least get them out and have a shop press the new ones in to keep cost down.

I actually use a piece of tubing the same diameter as the ball joint so I can hammer it back in without damaging anything. Most shops do this also so make sure they press it if you fell its necessary.

 

[Bully Bob]

Thanks Mr. B'holics,

Front axles are 1 of the few things I haven't dinked around with on these EB's.

I guess I' ll decide as I go as to involving a shop.

Are there any brands (ball Joints) to stay away from..? LMC has them for $16 & I notice Toms Br. wants $30 (or $118 for the complete kit..?)

What's up with that..?

 

[Broncoholics]

Buy some heavy duty ball joints from a Bronco parts supplier.

Most all others in standard auto part stores are made in China.

China uses recycled coffee cans and anything else they can melt down so the metal is soft and breaks easy.

Its just like the Hinges I sell. American lasts a life time and China has to be replaced within 5-10 years due to them wearing out.

It pays to get the good stuff.