The upper ball joint started to go in crooked so I hammered it out as gently as I could. When attempting to reinstall it square, it started a little crooked again (not as bad), but straightened out toward the very end.

Unfortunately once fully seated, I noticed I damaged the ball joint from previously hammering (excessive vertical play), so I pressed it out and have a replacement ball joint on order.

I noticed the groves of the ball joint really dug into the axle, (see photo) I really hope I didn't trash the axle... Please help!

Am I okay to reinstall a replacement ball joint or is my axle now junk? I'm concerened a replacement would be loose.

If okay, any tips on how to press the upper ball joint in square?

Part:
"Moog K3134T Ball Joint (upper)



Moog ball joint grove damage




4WD ball joint press





Thank you!

 

Pretty normal. That's how its supposed to work. The steel of the balljoint is rather harder than the cast iron on the axle. When you install the new joint, if you are really nervous about it, just try an insert it so the splines DON'T line up with the grooves already cut into the axle. You'll be fine.

 

So the splines are supposed to cut into the axle?

Any tips how to get the replacement BJ to go in square?

Thanks!

 

If you have a press, that is the best way. You can usually rent them from your local parts store. If it doesn't want to start square..... so long as it straightens out as it goes in, (which it really doesn't have much choice) all is good.

 

Leaving the joints in the freezer the night before helps them slide in just a little easier. Worked for me.

 

your fine

 

Thanks for the replies. I got the upper and lower ball joints in. Unfortunately, after everything was together the wheel still has play at 12/6 o'clock. And the truck shakes at 60mph.

I'm about ready to give up and drop it off at a mechanic to see what the heck is wrong.

I replace both pass/driver sides upper/lower ball joints and wheel bearing hub assemblies. All torqued to spec.

Any thoughts?

 

drag links? How is your steering stabilizer? I replaced mine and I lost the shake. Go with a stock steering stabilizer. At least don't buy Rancho for the steering stabilizer.

I would guess your stabilizer is stone dead.

 

Track bar, drank link, and steering shock all replaced within 15K miles.

 

How much? You shouldn't have play/slop. Was it checked after the job was done? look and see if you can locate where the slop is originating(bearing/hub or ball joints).