I ordered the complete set of ball joints and tie rods and I can not get either lower ball joint to press in enough to put the snap ring all the way around. Front the top it looks like it's going in at a angle but the bottom is flush all the way around. Any ideas or tricks? Thanks

 

Did the original joints have snap rings?

 

No I did not see any snap rings but there were groves around the original ones that I took off but no snap ring

 

Probably doesn't use 'em then.

 

They don't fit very tight so I'm afraid they might fall out sometime?

 

No 2nd Gen I've done used the snap rings. Just did a '98 a few weeks ago.

There's a Chrysler specific adapter kit which makes life easier. Specifically, one of the cups is angled to allow the press to stay square while pressing

https:/smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0811CTC9J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just used the kit above and it was great, no deformation or other issues. The actual OTC part # is in the product description but if you can wait I'd save the $ and buy an import kit like this.

Back in '17 I did a '99 and didn't have this kit so it's not necessarily required, although this last time I'm not sure how I could have completed the job without it.

Now's the time to do your inner axle seals if they're leaking gear oil. If not, let sleeping dogs lie.