mo8414

So I bought the ball joints for my 01 cherokee and I noticed the one has like a threaded sleeve that came with it. I have never seen anything like that and was wondering what it does. Thanks

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jordan96xj

It is for setting pre-load on the upper joint before putting the fastener on the lower joint. It is not used on all XJs. (My 96 does not use a preload adjuster sleeve).

Basically the knuckle is slid onto both joints, them the upper joint fastener/bolt is placed to a certain torque, then the pre-load adjuster is installed on the lower joint and set to a certain pre-load (pulling against the upper joint). Then the lower joint bolt is installed and torqued to spec, then the upper bolt is torqued to its final spec (I might have this last couple steps reversed).

From the picture you included, it appears that the adjuster is part of the joint, if that is the case, that could be problematic. Or is it separate from the joint, and just slid on their for the picture? Mine came in the bag along with the joint.

mo8414

It is separate from the joint thanks for the info ill have to look into finding the torque numbers and all that.

jordan96xj

From the FSM:

1. Position the knuckle on the ball joints
2. Install and tighten BOTTOM to 80ft/lb torque, insert cotter pin
3. Install and tighten TOP to 75ft/lb torque, insert cotter pin

Tie rod ends into the knuckle are 55ft/lb
Tie rod to drag link is 65ft/lb
Tie rod adjustment clamps 20ft/lb
Steering damper (both ends) 55ft/lb