caged

my last set of moog didn't last as long as my cheap set. the cheap set are still in and going strong matter of fact. going into the 4th year. moog only lasted 2.

you can get by with the cheap ones, just have to check them every 6 months for wear.

and at 16 bux each as opposed to 60, they can do just fine.

you don't need to remove the hub nut, just leave the axle shaft bolted to the hub and remove as one. it's a little harder to put back in without damaging the inner seal, but if you're careful, you'll be ok.

ball joints are easy once you've done it once.

shooter5635

Ball joints really don't seem like a rough job...

viperbabe35

ball joints replaced

dogkatcher

glad I read this .. I just replaced toasted u-joint on right front side 2day, 1st time under front end with this jeep .. upper ball joint is toast, didnt feel too bad pushing on steering knuckle, but put wheel back on .. and holy cow, some severe play on it

after reading this thread: went & bought new moogs to swap out tomorrow .. did the press tool rental at Advance for $108 (will return it for cash)

good note also .. after doing the bang-hammer-push-rod job on u-joint today .. gonna tear into left side & get that u-joint done way quicker w/ said tool, inspect everything .. that press will be alot speedier than hammer-method

luckily I Pb blasted / cleaned everything good today on repair side, routine down, should be a piece of cake .. then onto left side

great note on right side: brakes look almost new, wheel hub was tight/smooth (but will be replaced soon) .. then find a a deal on left side ball joints .. just to weed out future problems .. left ball joints have no play .. but im gonna do stuff right on this jeep, weed out gremlins asap

I made good time doing this today .. 1 dumbflaw .. forgot to remove c-clips from U-joint .. duh !!!! wasted 30+ minutes / hammering with no result .. I think i was more concerned with axle condition (splines & what not, forgot about clips, being too happy with everything else, they looked good)

sometimes I need a smack in the face like that .. at least Im on the right track now .. tryin to get front end up to par before i throw brand new 31s on it (cooper AT3s ..$700 ish) .. is a bit easier to lift w/ almost bald 30s .. glad i found the loose ball joint

I had to re-use old U-joint C-clips too .. the moog u-joints I bought had exterior clips in box .. but joints had an interior track for old clips .. just had to compress used ones a bit to make em fit tight ... got lucky, but was scratchin my head awhile

this website has been great ... saved me thousands of shop labor, luckily i have been hoarding tools too .. thanks