I took your advice and replaced the ball joints. Thanks alot. In addition, also replaced the wheel hubs. They were on their way out and glad to have caught them in time. Lastly, ujoints were all completely dried out with exception of one trunnion. Few had lost and damaged needles. Perfect timing to have done this work. Learned alot from the sources here at DF.

I'm left with one question about the ball joints though and that is about the torque values. They are NOT cited in the manual and searching online I came across 80 and 75 ft-lbs for upper and lower, respectively. I found another post citing higher values. Difference due to axle type, which I had no idea how to determine. Anyone shed light on this?

Thanks

 

Oddly enough, I can't find a torque value for those in the factory service manual. It tells you how to install the ball joints, but, nowhere does it talk about doing anything with the knuckles....... I usually put 'em on pretty friggin tight. (two and a half, to three grunts.) Then tighten 'em a bit more to get the cotter key to line up. Most of the time, I am installing the nuts with a 1/2 inch impact wrench.......

 

I tried google and 3 different dodge enthusiast parts websites. Didn't find anything. Even tried rockauto, but they just had rubbers.

Oh, and when you have been a member of a forum like this for over seven years, you can ask questions like that.

 

from my 98 service manual.

 

@HeyYou -- Rare to stump you.

@CPTA -- Just busting your chops for going OT is all.

@zman -- I'm in a good ball park then. How do you actually know what axle you have? i.e., 248 or 218 (i think).

 

216 DANA 44
248 DANA 60

It's the size of the ring gear. 216mm, 248mm, etc....

 

Super Bump on my old thread here.


This is feedback that all the parts acquired and installed have incurred no issues since. I've put them through daily driving and a good bit of offroad action (I've posted videos and pics of those activities). I figured this might useful for those of you looking on doing some replacements in kind, additionally, a good amount of helpful tech is here that shared!