2001 jeep cherokee, classic 4x4
i am told i need upper ball joints.

so i am thinking if i am going to be in there i should replace
both upper and lower ball joints
new rotors
new brake pads

my question
do i need to remove the axle/hub to get the ball joints out.

if yes i think i should replace the ujoint in the axles.
did jeep use the same ujoints as they did in the drive shaft.

 

Yes you have to remove the hub. No, the ujoints are not the same for the axle as the driveshaft. Those would be good to replace while you're in there.

Driveshaft ujoints are 1310s
Axle ujoints are 297s

 

when you buy lower BJs, make sure thet they have a place for a zert. Should be tapped with a hex plug in there. Once installed, remove the plug, put in zert, grease, remove zert and place plug back in - there is not enough clearance inside the hub for the joint with the zert remaining in place. Just something I found with mine. You gotta push the lowers upward, be sure the boot is removable on what you buy, otherwise, you damage the boot and that's bad. Just watch what you buy. Get an alignment when you're done.

 

if you buy spicer ball joints, which I would highly advise, the lowere ball joint is sealed so no worries on the zerk.

 

I don't have any

 

Yes you must remove the calipers, rotors, hubs, axle shafts, and the steering knuckle.

With all that is involved, only doing the upper makes no sense. Do all 4 and move on to the next project....cuz it's a Jeep and there's always another project.

Here ya go:
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...30-And-Dana-44

 

here's another link
http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/ball...alljoint-1.htm