I am about to change ball joints on a 1995 xl 4x4 , i Will not have access to a shop if im in need of any tools to purchase . So i think i do have all the tools i need, except maybe the Right socket size.... So hopefully somebody here Can help me. i need to know what size si the castle nut of the upper ball joint and the size of the nut of the lower ball joint.

 

I think the lower is 1-5/16 and the upper is 1-1/8 but don't come after me if I'm wrong. You'll also need one of those 4 prong spindle nut wrenches and a ball joint removing and installing press. I think most auto parts stores will loan the press. A vise is real helpful to hold the press.

There is also a torque sequence when you replace them. The lower joint gets tightened to an intermediate torque setting, then the upper gets tightened, then the lower gets the final tightening. If you don't follow the sequence supposedly you can put the joints under some sort of pre-load and your steering will be real tight.

A good time to check and replace the front axle U-joints if needed while you've got it apart. The passenger side inner joint is a pain to replace (assuming it's a Dana 50) so I called it OK on mine and just replaced the outer joints. They were pretty dried out and stiff.

 

Tanks for the info!! Much appreciate

 

Thanks for all the info guys, I am going to be replacing the u joints in my front end very soon.