The91XJ

Well my '96 ZJ finally needs some front end work. This weekend I'll be doing the front axle u joints and upper/lower ball joints. I've never done either of them before, so I'm just looking for some pointers before I attempt the job. More specifically, the general procedure and any tools/supplies I may need. Thanks in advance!

Bustedback

A ball joint press will make the job easier, a big ball peen hammer is good to have, and basic hand tools should get you by.

retread

A 4 in 1 joint press from harbor freight is helpful the lighter duty 3-1 may not hold up & work

The91XJ

What about the press you can rent from autozone? What's the steps to change the axles u joints?

retread

a rental is good alsi,sounds like you need a repair manual

retread

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/z...ite-up-984507/

94JeepCherokeeMan

I have a question about buying the right ball joint. Do I need to buy the "adjustable" kind or should I stick with the cheaper, non-adjustables? Are the OEM ball joints adjustable? Advantages/disadvantages? What brand should I buy? Will NAPA brand last for many years like the original OEM ball joints?

retread

oe is not adjustable, an adjustable you'll have to get an alignment reading first, if your axle is not bent it won't be off to any real concern

94JeepCherokeeMan

I was looking at a lot of ball joints on rockauto.com last night. There's lots of brands to choose from, so what brand and where should I buy all four in the event that they need to be replaced? I hear MOOG is very good quality for the money, but was wondering about the NAPA branded products and, of course, the other big names that you see.

retread

moog and NAPA are the top names, I bought mine at O'reily's

94JeepCherokeeMan

Thanks, man. I appreciate the advice. Might fork out the dough for MOOG non-adjustables...

blackjack12982

Take a look at the MOOG's before you buy them, alot of times now they're rebranded junk with the MOOG name on it. MOOG has slipped so much in the last 5-10 years it's not even funny.

I just did my balljoints, I used some cheap-o Rockauto brand BJ's. I'm really waiting for the new BJ's from Synergy Suspension, sold by Poly Performance to be available for sale. Instead of the teflon lining inside of the BJ, these are all metal. Who know's how they'll wear, but it's supposed to be double or triple the expected lifespan in lifted vehicles.

Most of the guys I wheeled with have installed XRF BJ's, and they're seemingly wearing pretty well. Who knows, YMMV. Just don't go in and pay a premium for MOOG's thinking they're still king...

Lyon

I just put Moog's in mine upper and lowers. After posting what I did, I got so many responses about Spicers being so much better and they are 1/2 the cost. Wish I knew before hand.

On my Dana 30, I got the Moogs because I wanted to be able to grease ALL 4 ball joints after trail rides. Well, it turns out with the axle joint there, there isn't enough room for the grease fitting to sit. SO, if I want to grease the lower ball joint, I have to remove the axle shaft, take out the plug, install a fitting, grease it, remove the fitting and reinstall the axle. Needless to say I was pi$$ed when I found this out. The spicer lowers are sealed so you don't have to worry about it. The uppers are still greasable though.

Just thought I'd throw some info out there. Hope it helps.

94JeepCherokeeMan

Wait, how can you not grease the lowers? Doesn't the fitting stick out the bottom of the knuckle? Pretty sure I can grease mine, the originals, the way they are... How do they not fit right?

blackjack12982

Nope, the fitting's are on top.