Driver side is far worse than passenger side..... 320k on the old girl.... new england winters are tough....

might have to look around for a replacement.... unless I can get one new...

whats this called? lower control arm?
looks like the lower ball joint goes though it...

anyway... comments please.
thanks.

 

Steering knuckle, that's a crusty demon right there

 

If you hit that mess with a hammer you'll find that there's almost nothing solid left under the rust; it's toast.....and it's important.

( Been there done that)

 

 

Its only bad if you think losing all control over steering at any moment could be a problem

If that was my vehicle, I would not drive it, but order a new set of knuckles, and ball joints from Rock Auto or a walk-in place if you can

I would have a look to see if anything else is totaled and replace that too, but no joking, that is very dangerous, and could kill someone else when you smash into their car

You need a ball joint press

 

yeah I hear ya.

"is this bad" was an attempt at sarcastic humor.

Looks like Quadratec has "Crown" brand knuckles on sale. I'm fixing to order both side with ball joints and maybe a few more things..... should cover the free shipping.

this old girl has 320K on her.... bought it new so, I will get it done.

thanks for all the input.

oh yeah... I need to buy a ball joint tool set also.... I heard good things about the HF kit.... any suggestions?
https://www.quadratec.com/p/crown-au...xj/driver-side

 

Harbor freight kit ftw. Many years and many balljoints plus other shenanigans not under proper use and it's survived it all

 

Thanks I have a similar kit from Orion ... I think.

but I also ordered the OTC 7894 adapter set for Jeep/dodge.

 

All set for another 300k
Ball joints were surprisingly easy.... but the fancy OTC 7894 cups helped a LOT especially the tapered piece for install.

all I had was kubota orange paint. I kinda dig it.

anyway, whats this little silver bugger?

looks like possibly an insert?

my stock knuckles did not have them and the new ones were fully cast also...

 

Love the paint color choice, this way you can easily tell when they need to be replaced again as it disappears with rust

Though maybe painting them a color close to rust will hide it better this round heh

 

I've never actually used one in the jeeps application and just default to tossing them in the scrap bucket.

I would guess it's for an older platform that shares the balljoint set