So my chassis issues are worse than i thought. I replaced bad ball joints, and now the ball joint is separating itself from the steering knuckle. After further inspection, it appears that the knuckle is part of the axle, and can't be replaced separately. I found a replacement axle from a junk yard.

My question now is, how do you replace the axle/knuckle assembly? Honestly, I have never had this problem and don't know what to expect.

 

The C on the end of the axle tube? You don't replace it. You pay someone else to do it. Not cheap. Would be cheaper to just replace the entire axle.

 

You could also have some do a couple tack welds to hold the ball joint.

Edit, what brand bj's did you get.

 

Did you find the same axle as your year? For the most part, they are direct swap ins.

Although, this could go several different ways.

1. Complete swap -- rotors, calipers, axles, diff. gears, CAD lines, etc.

2. Axle/Diff housing only -- swap your outers and internals to the new one and swap in.

3. Variations on above.

 

I would be doing number 2. Everything else is new.

 

Certain brands of bj's have been known to be loose. Seems like a waste of money replacing the whole axle, when maybe the joints are not right or having them tacked.

 

Im going to try to have them tack welded to the knuckle for now. The problem is I don't have a welder, and I'm pretty sure this is one of those things that is 'frowned upon' by shops.

 

So i just had it welded at a shop. They charged me $10. Pretty good deal i think. Now to replace the other 3 ball joints. Hopefully I don't keep having this issue.