I am having some problems. Well just one so far. The lower ball joint would not tighten up. The nut has spots on one side that are intentionally pressed into it like a lock not. These are so tight that the "bolt" part of the ball joint turns. The top ball joint is pressed all the way in as far as I can tell. There is just not enough friction to allow me to tighten up the lower nut. what am I doing wrong?

 

You need to put some weight on the knuckle to stop the lower ball joint from spinning. Try putting a floor jack under the knuckle and jack the truck up slightly.

 

Thank you, that is about the only thing we did not try. I will check back in tomorrow for an update.

 

x2 on that. I used an old scissor jack. It only took a slight amount of pressure on mine to keep it from spinning.

 

Ah yes, someone beat me to it...

But I'm part of the "I hate ball joints" club too...did mine today and was an exhausting all day affair. Glad it's over though, the pay off is totally worth it...

 

It's so true, experience is what you get just after you need it. I will use mine tomorrow.

 

Well I finished, sort of. the passenger drive shaft seemed to be in too far or the seal was not in far enough to get the snap ring in. The bolt shaped plastic one shattered and is gone. OOPS. The truck was not completely level and when we pulled the drivers side shaft some of the differential fluid ran out. Then it started raining. Everything went back together in the rain. I have not tested the 4WD yet. Right now I think it is drivable, at least it was going around the block. No more thump thump. all that is left is a front end alignment and the rear shocks(adjustable Ranchos like I just put on the front). I am to tired to even try tonight.