Ball Joints

[jafo]

While I am searching for my np435 Transmission , it appears my ball joints need attention.

So, what brand ball joints did you go with?

It also appears a special spanner wrench is required for the upper ball joint replacement. I read some bad reviews of OMIX's spanner. What one did you buy and how did it do?

 

[Belizean]

My original in my CJ are still ok but about 2 months ago replaced original in my 96 Cherokee with NAPA brand Chinee . Could not find anything else. Hope someone can chime in for CJs on some USA made. Used a ball joint tool from local parts house. Not sure about the spanner tool. Shoot a picture of that if you can. Thanks

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Get the top of the line B'joints from NAPA if you can.
They will have the special wrench also, you may have to order it.
That said-FWIW: I would find a good front end shop to do the R&R. They ain't the easiest item to change out. BTDT
LG

 

[hole]

Pretty much what Lumpy said, and look for MOOG grease-able joints. I used a ball joint tool that worked ok for three of the joints, but one was really stuck and took a BFH to beat it out. Start days in advance with penetrating oil

 

[hole]

Jafo, I ordered my Moog joints from Napa, including the wrench, had them the next day. If your not in a great hurry, it all can be had for a little cheaper online (Amazon for one)

 

[Lumpy Grits]

TNX Hole-My CRS was blocking my memory of the name.
It was in fact Moog that NAPA sold as their 'Gold Line' for the ball joints.
LG

 

[jafo]

Ok thanks for the info. I was looking at Moog, but this is something I would rather not have to do for a long time.

 

[moriartii]

Why would you go with Moog over Spicer joints? Also I thought the greasable ones were moot since it is difficult to get to the zert or they break off?

I am in the same boat needing to replace and am looking at Moog or Spicer from Summit.
Thank you
Lee

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Why would you go with Moog over Spicer joints? Also I thought the greasable ones were moot since it is difficult to get to the zert or they break off?

I am in the same boat needing to replace and am looking at Moog or Spicer from Summit.
Thank you
Lee

Both are OEM brands, and you can't go wrong with either.
LG

 

[hole]

Havent had any problem with the zerks, but I did think about orientation before install to make sure I could get to them.

 

[Belizean]

So you were able get to the zerks? Did you use a straight one or some type of off-set ones?

 

[hole]

I havent lubed the chassis for a while, sadly the old girl only see's 1-2k miles a year normally, so I'd have to crawl under to give an exact answer. I do remember trying to pay close attention on the install so that I could reach the zerks later. Now you're making me go look

 

[Belizean]

That's alright don't worry about it. Mines not getting used much these days either. My daughter and I just took a Sunday afternoon ride to do a couple of things then get a snowball. First ride in a couple of weeks.

 

[hole]

The uppers are angled in above the axle shaft , and the bottoms come straight down. Both easy to get to.

 

[jafo]

Good info. Thanks. I'll probably go with Moog joints. Have had good luck in the past. I have seen some jointa that were pretty expensive, just wondering what they had over OEM.

Dito on the pentrating fluid too.