Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Ball Joint Advice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-01-2012, 06:44 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
jtodaro's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Missouri
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default Ball Joint Advice

So, I have two pairs of upper/lower Dana Spicer Ball Joints, and take the front end apart today. Passenger side went without a hitch except the moron that owned the vehicle before me stripped BOTH caliper bolts. So... On to the drivers side. Ball joints came out easy, but oddly enough, the Dana Spicers just drop in. After some perusing at the local parts house, it looks as if the lower on the drivers side is slightly larger and is a Moog improved replacement that has splines cut in the sides (must slightly enlarge the opening when you put the lower in). The upper on that side is also enlarged, and even the Moog replacement wasn't large enough. I had to put the old upper back in, which, the shank that bolts to the hub is larger, so it doesn't like seating and also barely clears everything.

So, at this point... What are my options? It looks as if someone fscked up the "C" looking thing that the ball joints seat into (If you go here, they are the things to the very right of #26 in the diagram, http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-3365240..._2212_40259246).

Anyone have any ideas on what to do here? I want this fixed right.
Old 07-01-2012, 10:26 PM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
Radi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 5,302
Likes: 0
Received 19 Likes on 16 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

I'm scratching my head on how you can fix that. If it weren't a tapered hole, I'd consider welding it up and re-drilling the correct hole..but that would be a bugger with that taper. Best I can think of is to try to match the old joint up as best you can with something else, hopefully with a slightly shorter height.
Old 07-01-2012, 10:35 PM
  #3  
Member
Thread Starter
 
jtodaro's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Missouri
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I unfortunately have been throwing a more extreme idea around, and swapping the axle housing entirely out with one I know is good. I'm seeing it as my only viable option at this point that insures things are correct.
Old 07-01-2012, 10:48 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
nickxj94's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: vanburen
Posts: 720
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1995 &2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Weld a few good beads in it and try and press the spicer in just don't build up the weld alot then tack the balljoints in so they don't pop out, I have a friend that has done this and it worked fine still running it lol
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
extrashaky
Other Vehicles. Other Jeep models & cars and trucks of other makes
17
06-17-2023 03:57 PM
toasterknight
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
33
05-21-2016 07:03 AM
1991Jeep_Man
Cherokee Chat
12
09-29-2015 12:54 PM
sbc003
Introductions
2
09-27-2015 11:13 AM
soocom1
Cherokee Chat
6
09-26-2015 02:24 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Ball Joint Advice



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:45 PM.