I'm trying to install the steering knuckle after replacing the ball joints on my 1996 Dodge 2500 (2WD). I can get the lower ball joint nut started but the upper ball joint stud won't reach far enough thru the steering knuckle hole to get a nut started. I have the lower control arm jacked up also. I double checked and my replacement ball joints have the same length studs. And it's not that the upper ball joint stud is too big in diameter.

Is there a trick to this?

 

Get a piece of board, and a hammer. Use the board as an 'insulator', and use the hammer to get the joint down far enough into the knuckle to get a nut started.

Welcome to DF!

 

Thanks I got it! It was just the angle that the ball joint studs were at. Dang they were tight! I used a block and hammer to get them into the right position and was able to get a nut started...

 

Cool.

And saved yourself a pile of money on labor too. Still may want to take it in for an alignment when you are done.