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Dana30 Ball Joint Replacement Questions

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Buildflycrash, Dec 19, 2020.

  1. Dec 19, 2020
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    This is a ‘79 two bolt caliper NT Dana 30 that I swapped into my ‘66. Ball joints are visibly loose on driver side and about the only thing I didn’t replace when I build the jeep 2years ago.

    I got the old ball joints out and the new pressed in. That’s about as far as I can go without some knowledge.

    First thing is the new joints have snap rings to help hold in place. The old ones didn’t. Are the snap rings required/ suggested?

    Next thing is the procedure for installing the nuts? I have the lower nut on loosely to hold in place. What gets tightened first? How do I adjust the preloading?

    This had a wedge washer under the top nut. I am pretty sure the thick part went towards the front, is that typical?

    Any other points I’m missing or tips are definitely welcome. Thanks
     
  2. Dec 19, 2020
    45es

    45es Active Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Naches, WA
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    If you go to Rockauto.com and look up Moog brand of both the upper and lower ball joints for that axle, there are pdf.s with the instructions to install the joints.
     
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  3. Dec 20, 2020
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    Cool. Thanks.
    I also found the Metalshaper video on YouTube.
     
  4. Dec 20, 2020
    Steve's 70-5

    Steve's 70-5 Active Member

    Louisville, Ky
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    Nov 12, 2009
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    I think I used his video when rebuilding my axle. Everything went OK
     
  5. Dec 20, 2020
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    The driver side upper joint is what started this project. Visible movement when pushed on the top of the tire. I did the replacement of the passenger side first and when I went to take the driver side apart I found the nut on the upper joint was not even finger tight. I might have fixed the problem by simply tightening one nut. Well I learned how to change ball joints this weekend.

    [​IMG]
     
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  6. Dec 21, 2020
    52M38-73CJ5

    52M38-73CJ5 Member

    Wenatchee WA
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    Nov 11, 2020
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    But it will drive better and you will sleep better now.
     
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