1996 XJ Cherokee: I need advice on ball joints!
I have a 1996 Cherokee with loose steering that has a lot of bump steer at highway speeds. I replaced the drag link,tie rod ends,steering stabilizer,and the track bar. I got an alignment,and I've had all tires balanced. I'm noticing an occasional loud clunk from the right side,most likely the front,when I go over bumps with just the right tire. Sometimes I'll get a quiet pop when steering and I can sometimes feel it in the steering wheel.
I'll be replacing the ball joints after a couple of other things,and I want to know what's good. It seems like Moog is highly sought after,so I'll go with that unless someone says otherwise. Another thing is I'm a bit confused on the "offset" ball joints. I don't really know what that means and how I can figure out if I have that. Thanks in advance.
I'll be replacing the ball joints after a couple of other things,and I want to know what's good. It seems like Moog is highly sought after,so I'll go with that unless someone says otherwise. Another thing is I'm a bit confused on the "offset" ball joints. I don't really know what that means and how I can figure out if I have that. Thanks in advance.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 542
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix, AZ
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L6
Check your sway bar bushings. Had a thumping sound that went away when I changed to poly bushings. Second jeep that I've had the same symptom and cure for.
Seasoned Member


Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 353
Likes: 33
From: Ivory Coast, west Africa
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Toyota 2.4l diesel non-turbo (from a 1985 pickup) installed in 2009
CA bushings all tightened down? That can cause a clunk.
Have you re-tightened the track bar since installing it : the bolt
on the axle side and the six bolts on the frame side mount ?
Have you checked the ball joints? Jack up the wheel, grab the tire
at 12 and 6 o'clock and wiggle it and if you feel any play, look and
see what is moving.
if you need them, Spicer 706944X stock replacements will do you fine.
Have you re-tightened the track bar since installing it : the bolt
on the axle side and the six bolts on the frame side mount ?
Have you checked the ball joints? Jack up the wheel, grab the tire
at 12 and 6 o'clock and wiggle it and if you feel any play, look and
see what is moving.
if you need them, Spicer 706944X stock replacements will do you fine.
Last edited by BwanaBob; Aug 7, 2016 at 04:22 PM.
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 741
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Offset ball joints are only needed it you have a high lift and you need to add caster angle. They are available in 1/2* steps up to 2* total. Don't worry about them.
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