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Ball Joint Adapters: OTC 7894 vs. ATD 8697 for '98

Jonner

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Charlotte, NC
Planning on doing a partial front end rebuild so I've been reading through all the write-ups and threads. There's only a couple more parts/tools I need to start the project. I have the OTC 7249 press and am now looking at adapters. I want to make this as easy as possible since this is unfamiliar territory for me.

98 XJ with 182k miles on the clock, original everything, except brakes. I'm being cheap without trying to cut corners, and I've seen 2 adapters both get good kudos.

Does anyone have experience with the ATD 8697 when working on a 98? Were there any changes to the knuckle or ball joint design between 95 and 98 that would make the ATD not work? The ATD looks like a better deal, and I'll be using this press for front U-joints too...not sure yet if this will help me there.

OTC 7894
-$75 shipped (amazon)
-Comes with 4 pieces?
-Should work for all model years (website only lists up to 89)
-http://www.otctools.com/products/jeep-dodge_ball_joint_service_adapter_

ATD 8697
-$75 shipped (ebay)
-Comes with 14 pieces
-Website says it works up to 90-95 Cherokees (lower bj) and 84-95 Cherokees (upper bj)
-http://atdtools.com/8697
 
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Did both of your tool rentals put the ball joint in at a slight angle? Or were they the generic straight on ball joint adapters?

Definately the cheapest alternative...
 
Did both of your tool rentals put the ball joint in at a slight angle? Or were they the generic straight on ball joint adapters?

Definately the cheapest alternative...

Now that you mentioned, there is a part in the installation when i have to use a washer/spacer to tilt the ball joint press so as not to rub against the knuckle....here is a couple of videos which explain better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3jjPouRdFw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYcqNAhk-co&feature=related

GL

Oh, these are the ball joints i bought.
 
Now that you mentioned, there is a part in the installation when i have to use a washer/spacer to tilt the ball joint press so as not to rub against the knuckle....here is a couple of videos which explain better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3jjPouRdFw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYcqNAhk-co&feature=related

GL

Oh, these are the ball joints i bought.

Thanks, I saw some good youtube videos and picked up the same Spicer's. Just making the last few purchases and looking to see what other people's experiences are. Thanks for sharing!
 
I heard guys that done 30+ ball joints replacement without needing the adapters......do they help? Maybe, maybe not.....why take a chance when is a loaner tool.
 
Well, it looks like I'll be making some phone calls to Autozone, O'Reilly's and such tomorrow. I'm hoping to get this done next weekend.

Thanks!
 
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