ball joints

I'm doing my ball joints on my 99 xj and while just looking at the new moog joint I noticed that there is no insert that goes into the knuckle on my truck although one came with the kit. I also measured the neck of the ball joint and it seems to be a few thosands smaller and fits losely into the knuckle? Is this common?

they are always a press fit into the knuckle, as far as i know

The newer knuckles don't use inserts. When the holes get OS, or the brake pad retainers wear, or the brake retaining nuts strip, you are expected to toss the knuckle and get a new one.

If you have the nut torqued to spec, and it is still not tight, you have have to machine the knuckle to accept the insert that came with the joint, or replace the knuckle.

-Ron