balljoints
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,181
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From: Across from the neighbors
balljoints
So im rebuilding a dana 44 for my 79 shortbed. Ive got the new balljoints in on the drivers side but im not sure about them. Seems theres a decent gap between the dust boot and "c" on the uppers. Heres some pics. Maybe im just over concerned. Theres is plenty of space where the pin goes in the stud. And its well above the castle nut.
Lower is tight
Lower is tight
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,181
Likes: 3
From: Across from the neighbors
Hmmm. You are correct. I looked at it and the snap ring is tight on the other side but i can see a little splines on the inside. Ill pull the knuckle off tomorrow and try to press it in more. Think thats the prob? Seems like the impact would take care of that. Also if i press the bj in more then there will be a gap between the bottom of the knuckle and the snap ring. Is that a problem?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
> Seems like the impact would take care of that.
Actually, makes the problem worse.
What I would do (if having a problem) is cool the ball joint in my refrigerator overnight (not freezer) and put the knuckle in the oven for 250 degrees for an hour and then press them together with anti-seize on the ball joint. This is where having access to a real press with plates comes in handy.
The clip is a safety feature to prevent total loss of steering, the press fit is actually doing the work. The joint has to be fulled seated, otherwise it may pop out and may effect alignment. When it is fully seated, the knuckle actually expands and grips the ball joint even tighter. One of those yield to break ratio things. One of the reasons kingpins are popular :-)
If you can, make sure the splines do not go into a previous splined groove. If it was me, I would junk the ball joint and start fresh with a new one. Kind of like messing up a UJ cap, the hassle of doing it over by the side of the road or in the woods over shadows the cost of a new part.
BTW: Not ragging on your choice, I have a ball joint front end myself. We live with what we have.
Actually, makes the problem worse.
What I would do (if having a problem) is cool the ball joint in my refrigerator overnight (not freezer) and put the knuckle in the oven for 250 degrees for an hour and then press them together with anti-seize on the ball joint. This is where having access to a real press with plates comes in handy.
The clip is a safety feature to prevent total loss of steering, the press fit is actually doing the work. The joint has to be fulled seated, otherwise it may pop out and may effect alignment. When it is fully seated, the knuckle actually expands and grips the ball joint even tighter. One of those yield to break ratio things. One of the reasons kingpins are popular :-)
If you can, make sure the splines do not go into a previous splined groove. If it was me, I would junk the ball joint and start fresh with a new one. Kind of like messing up a UJ cap, the hassle of doing it over by the side of the road or in the woods over shadows the cost of a new part.
BTW: Not ragging on your choice, I have a ball joint front end myself. We live with what we have.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,181
Likes: 3
From: Across from the neighbors
See the funny thing is that the BJ are splined but the knuckle is not. I can get a new joint no prob. Ill try that. BTW its no biggy about kinpins and 60s. I have a 60 for my other project. Im just doin this on the cheap. Itll be open so im sure itll last awhile.
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