XJalltheway85
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Colorado
Hey guys, I've read about this in some other threads but couldn't really find a definitive answer, so here it goes. I recently replaced the ball joints on my front HP Dana 30, I had some of those shitty Alloy USA ones with the splined body and they wore out real quick so I figured I'd try some Spicer ones (OEM I think) this time around. The old joints pressed out pretty easy but I figured it was just because they had only been installed less than a year ago and weren't rusted in there. But when I reinstalled the Spicer joints (smooth body) I noticed that on the drivers the press fit in the outer C for the upper joint was almost gone, the ball joint fell in and only needed to be pressed like an 1/8 of an inch. So I used some Loctite retaining compound to hold it in since this is my daily driver, but decided it was time for a new front axle. I went to the pull and pay yesterday and bought a new HP D30, but when I got it home and pressed out the old ball joints, the drivers side upper came out really easy. So now I'm worried this new axle is going to have the same issue as my old one. My question is are the Spicer joints with the smooth body smaller than the aftermarket ones? Or is the press fit just worn out due to improper installation. I'm trying to decide if I should take this axle back to the pull and pay and exchange it for another one or if I have other options.