New ball joints

[b3uhbp]

I recently replaced my Rancho lift kit with OME shocks and springs. Did the YJ to CJ conversion. Took a day and a half. Very happy with the results. Still a jeep but way better ride. Now I'm planning on replacing ball joints. Any recommendations on brand? Do I need to go with best or is middle of the road okay? Any brand I should stay away from?

 

[mriplaybass]

There are a lot of different manufacturers out there, and most of them will get the job done driving around town. Personally, I always use Moog in off road applications where I know there will be hard driving. The cost is a little more, but when a ball joint fails, all h*** can break loose! Cheap insurance. Make sure that you install them properly with the correct pre-load.

 

[gert]

I like MOOG as well they are made in USA,

I bought SYNERGY ball joints for my Jeep because they have sintered metal cups that the joint rides in which is supposed to last longer

https://www.synergymfg.com/Synergy-D30-D44-Heavy-Duty-Front-Ball-Joint-Sets-p-26182.html


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Idahododgeram]

I'm running Moog and haven't had any problems.

I look at it like this. ....If I can save a few bucks but replacing said part is a PITA then I buy the best I can. If it's worth doing, do it right.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Moog
LG

 

[b3uhbp]

I recently replaced my Rancho lift kit with OME shocks and springs. Did the YJ to CJ conversion. Took a day and a half. Very happy with the results. Still a jeep but way better ride. Now I'm planning on replacing ball joints. Any recommendations on brand? Do I need to go with best or is middle of the road okay? Any brand I should stay away from?

One more thing, I have no loose play in my steering and the tie rod ends and ball joints all seem tight but the steering seems stiff. I did a test of steering resistance as per the FSM. It's supposed to take no more than 25lbs of torque to move the knuckles and it took 35lbs. Any thoughts?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Check it again after 500 miles.
LG

 

[b3uhbp]

Check it again after 500 miles.
LG

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I have not yet replaced the ball joints. That test was on the old ones.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That in/lb reading for for each knuckle. Not combined.
LG

 

[b3uhbp]

That in/lb reading for for each knuckle. Not combined.
LG

The field service manual page G143 specifies a test when you have"High Steering Effort". The test is "Ball Stud Preload Measurement". In this test you remove tires & wheels and also remove the drag link form the right side steering knuckle and steering damper if applicable. Then use a torque wrench to determine torque required to rotate both knuckles. Greater than 25 ft/lbs is too high. For my jeep 35 ft/lbs was required to rotate the knuckles. I guess I need to replace the ball joints.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

TY-
The way I was taught(one at a time)tells you exactly where the issue is coming from, and a good way to see how equal the two knuckles are set.
LG

 

[b3uhbp]

TY-
The way I was taught(one at a time)tells you exactly where the issue is coming from, and a good way to see how equal the two knuckles are set.
LG

You're right, that would be preferred and certainly more precise.