Nate1999Cherokee

I did a search on the forum for anyone with a similar issue and didnt find anything.

I have a 1999 4.0L cherokee and I am trying to change the ball joints on the passenger side. I got them out fine and got the new lower one in fine. I am having problems with the top ball joint- I can get it pressed in, however when I go to put the steering knuckle back on, I end up with this gap betweent he top of the knuckle and the bottom of the upper ball joint. And I cant get the knuckle to go up any further.

After the first try with the first ball joint that I had to torch out to get back off the knuckle I was for sure that I was just given the wrong ball joint. So I had them give me another one and I am having the same problem. Its my daily driver and I have been stuck with this problem all weekend.

So I guess my question is that-- Is this small gap normal or not? Or what could be the problem?

THanks, any help would be great.

JeepingDan

got a pic of the gap?

zedpapa

can you look at the other side and see if its similar? also if the axle is in, does it look centered in the housing?

zedpapa

Nate1999Cherokee

I dont have a picture of it, but the gap is probably about an 1/8th of an inch to a 1/4 of an inch. The other side is not like this- there is no gap. I will try to take a picture tonight if I can since I have to try to work on it tonight. The axle is not in yet, but would definately predict that it would be an odd fit when trying to put the bolts back in for the hub.

dirtmod0

from what you typed it sounds normal maybe the new joint has a slighty bigger shank
my Jeep has a slight gap between the two points
well i just went out and looked at mine and all the gap is, is the grease boot about 1/4 inch no air gap

Nate1999Cherokee

Went and got a good brand of joints and they worked out just fine- no gap. She is driving good except for a steering noise still.

huntingman2706217

i know this is old but mines the same way... i ordered my ball joints off eBay and all 4 have this gab... all 4 are longer then what i have already... been researching and see this is pretty common... people having to mismatch ball joints from different auto part companies to make it work for them... sucks for me cause all mine are put together now and i bought these months ago on ebay so gonna have to buy more it looks like... makes my axle shaft off center which im affraid will damage internal bearings so i dont think im going to ride on it like this at all... money money money... this should be fun... i will take and upload pics tomorrow... to show everyone what to watch out for...