replacing ball joint - need to replace bottom sleeve in knuckle?

C

CRJeepin

NAXJA Forum User

Location

York, PA

• May 15, 2008

• #1

Like the topic says, I'm replacing the ball joints on my '88 XJ and am not sure if I need to replace the sleeve in the lower knuckle or not. One came with the new ball joint, so it's no big deal to replace it I just have to buy the spanner wrench.

Just wonder if I should bother or not, or if there is a good reason NOT to do it!

Also, is the torque on it 50 lb-ft? I found a thread to that effect on JU but can't find it anywhere else.

Thanks for any suggestions.

CR

 

6

600dollarxj

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Dayton Oh/Purdue

• May 16, 2008

• #2

I was wary about replacing the sleeve in mine, until I squirted a little pb blaster and it came out with no effort. I dont think you can torque the sleeve, but the ball joint nuts are like 80-90 ft-lbs I believe.

 

C

CRJeepin

NAXJA Forum User

Location

York, PA

• May 16, 2008

• #3

Yeah, I was just looking at it tonight and I think the sloppy lower ball joint didn't do it any favors, it would probably snug up OK but I'm gonna go ahead and replace it. Going to buy the tool from OTC though because they're a little rusty and I don't want to bugger it up.

 

X

XXX

NAXJA Forum User

Location

usa

• May 16, 2008

• #4

Don't know if different years are the same but on a 89 XJ the split sleeve is measured from the bottom of the sleeve to the bottom of the "C" housing......- .120"??? something like that but not sure.

The Dana 30 in a CJ is torqued.

Check the FSM for the proper measurement.

Ron

 

C

CRJeepin

NAXJA Forum User

Location

York, PA

• May 16, 2008

• #5

No FSM for my 88...Haynes doesn't include it.

Will measure the one that's in there now and see how far from the bottom it is.

Thanks!
CR

 

paulhead

I overtighten $#!t

NAXJA Member

Location

where compton meets the water

• May 16, 2008

• #6

I replaced mine because after 150K miles there's probably gonna' be a little play in there. I think the tourqe specs are like 50lbs. Here's the tool. OTC 7080 http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_... Tools&psid=YAHOOSSP01&sid=ISx20070515x00001c

I heard you can use an antenna spanner tool but who knows how strong that is.

 

X

XXX

NAXJA Forum User

Location

usa

• May 18, 2008

• #7

In garage today and checked the FSM for the measurement..................... (.206") from the lower "boss" to the high crown on the ring. I used the depth part of a cheap $8 6" caliper to measure this.

 

Jeepsloth

Gort like Jeep

Location

North Carolina

• May 18, 2008

• #8

This recent post shows the sleeve you are referring to.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=950828&highlight=ball+joint

My 1995 doesn't have the sleeve in it but I wonder if my 1990 does?

 

C

CRJeepin

NAXJA Forum User

Location

York, PA

• May 18, 2008

• #9

Great info, thanks guys. I'll go ahead and replace it and set it at .2 & be done with it!

Thanks again.
Chris

 

8

88manche

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Portland, Oregon

• May 18, 2008

• #10

as for torque, the FSM for my 1985 XJ says

steering knuckle to ball joint :
service set to torque = 100 ft-lbs
service recheck terque = 87 - 113 ft-lbs

 

paulhead

I overtighten $#!t

NAXJA Member

Location

where compton meets the water

• May 19, 2008

• #11

found this, don't know if it's the same tool
http://www.partsmike.com/store/store.php?crn=49&rn=722&action=show_detail