Jeep Dana 30/44 Ball Joint Replacement 

Good job bud! I really like seeing the younger generation doing so well cranking wrenches!! 👍😀👍

You're the only RU-vid channel to give the size of the upper and lower ball joint nut. I love you.

I got that Jeep/Mopar adaptor and it worked great. My projects always seem to have a problem tho. I purchased 4 cheapo ball joints from Rock Auto, and once I installed the pass. side I realized that the upper BJ stud would not fit into the yoke/spindle hole all the way despite me cleaning it up real good. The lower BJ stud was way too long and the castle nut was very small and would not line up with the cotter pin hole, as if it needed a spacer or flat washers that my 94 ZJ does not come with. I screwed myself out of a refund by tossing the boxes away, so I oredered 4 Moog brand BJs and hope they will be more like the OE replacements. Cheapo BJs were 30.00 for all 4. Moog's are 133.00. I shared this post in case others order cheapo BJs, DON'T just order a name brand or get OE. I lost 30.00 on junk that didn't fit right.

I bought a XJ a few months back. When I bought it all I knew how to do is change a flat and change my oil. Finding your page has been the biggest help! It is hard learning all this stuff by myself so your videos have saved me. I am learning so much! I was able to change my ball joints out last night all by myself with the help of your video. I feel so accomplished. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I was just saying I had to knock this out. Thanks for saving me the headache of working with the wrong tools!

Your video, AutoZone kit, 45 min out and in... Thanks again...

Well done mate and I have a 2020 ford ranger wildtrak greetings from Slovenia 🇸🇮🙂

Nice work and you just saved yourself $1000. I'm waiting for the adapters to come in the mail. Of course, I realized I needed them after everything was apart. While I wait, I replaced the axle shaft U joints. Both the bottom ball joints were shot, like yours. Looks like those are the ones to watch out for. And I have 145k miles. Also it helps to put a nut on threads if you're going to hit them. This protects the threads. Really solid work and narration.

Perfect timing! I'm just about to do this on my XJ ... Keep it up!

Thanks a ton, great video. I bought the kit but I wasn't sure how to use it. I really appreciate that you made this :)

Great job. The key is the angled adapter. A torque wrench would be nice as well, specially on alloy wheels. Thank you! Local place wanted $945 per side, RockAuto Moog Ball joiunts were $145 for both sides. :)

I'm doing this on my Ma's WJ and this was GREAT! I really feel like I can do it now. I now feel like I oughtta spring for the balljoint kit if my mechanic won't loan it to me.

I didn't realize you were part of bleepinjeep. You're better off doing your own thing like you are

The guy from bleeeping jeeep bored the shit outa me. You did a better job demonstrating the task and you used the correct tool.

Out-freakin-standing! Nice job explaining and showing EVERY step and tool used! Subbed.

good work man....very helpful video

Thanks for the helpful video. Concerning the ball joint press... Besides the obvious cost savings what is the difference between your kit and the more expensive model? Curious to know if the upgraded kit would include a more comprehensive supply of spacers/adapters.

Hey man I don’t know if you’ll reply but I have a problem with mine the ball joint seems to be the exact same size but it doesn’t fit my snap ring on it’s that ok or do I get another set my old ones didn’t have them on I think Also unless it came off

Thank you for mentioning the angled piece, I had no idea... the rat bastards at A1 Auto never mentioned this!!! I could tell things weren't right as i was going and pressed it back out easy enough, but I wasted an hour going back and forth trying to align the ball joint in the hole. Once I found your vid the ball joint dropped in like I knew what I was doing (cause now I do, lol).

Hey Austin, Great info on ball joints. I did this two years ago on mine and the Dana Spicer joints are great. Still holding up on 33s, a front locker, and a round trip from California to Moab Utah and back. I used to have an 89 XJ and I believe that threaded spacer was for the bottom ball joint to use as a preload. I think around 91 jeep stopped using those. I gotta get that ball joint set for future projects. Thanks!

YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO REPLACE SLEEVE its what positions everything correxctly its important for caster bet your Jeep wonders , especially on bumpy roads this isnt important wright torque lower nut to 70-90 ft lbs Torque adjusting sleeve to 40 ft lbs Torque upper nut to 100 ft lbs Test knuckle turn. Effort not to exceed 26 lbs

Great job I learned a lot good job my man! thank you very much.

I've been following your videos for a year now and it's cool to see someone from Wisconsin doing this!

I just did this over the weekend for a buddy, didnt realize there was a required tool until it was torn apart. I ended up having no issue with the lowers going back together, the upper i ended up freezing the ball joint over night and using a torch to heat up the bore. it worked pretty slick.

Great vid, I wanted to see which adapters you used so thank you my only suggestion would be to grab a torque wrench. Lug nuts, ball joints, hub bolts all need a specific torque. 👍

Got this adapter and it just wobbles around on ball joint so wolnt press in straight

ive rewatched this so many times over the past year or so. always helps!

Maybe I'm wrong. But I've always just hammered ball joints in and out. Never had an issue.

Great video. So did it take you about an hour or so to do both ball joints.

Where do I find these ball joints. Can’t find them and the ones that look similar I’m not sure are the right ones. Anyone have a link?

How many uggaduggas for the nuts? is there a certain torque? I noticed you just did a good tug on them to tighten them? retightening needed after a few miles? Getting ready to do my WJ ones. My camber makes kids rice rockets jealous! (and i'm terrified of deathwobble...) Thanks for the video!!!

Watched your video last night, ordered the adapter got it today, installed upper in under 5 minutes… mind you I spent 2 days and blew up a press trying to get both out and installing lower! Thanks man thanks man thanks man!!

September 2022 and this 45 year old New Mexican thanks you.

Great video. I already did my passenger side since that was the bad side and now I just need to do the driver’s side. After that’s done I can book another appointment for an alignment then afterwards I can drive it as much as I want instead of avoiding premature wear on all the other front end parts I’ve replaced. For anyone reading this, definitely do listen to him about getting the special adapters because he’s not wrong when he says that those make it 10x easier. I’ve tried both methods

It was good but you should of taken off the tie rod so you can fully remove it. You have it hanging. Good video

I used a hammer, set it on the steering knuckle and hammered on the hammer. Helps keep the knuckle from getting beat up a little. Pain in the butt if your the only one working, and also i had to use a big ass 8 pound sledge as everything was rusted.

Great video! Did it, and the ball joints I got were splined, and were a bit tougher to install. Definitely worth all the effort !

Dude,cheater bar is your best friend working on jeeps.safe your back young man.

Some auto parts stores have these Ball joint press kits, free for public use , just call ahead and schedule them for use.

advance auto and auto zone has a "free tool rental program". just pay for the tool, use it, and return it for a full refund. great if need to rental tool and dont want to not buy it. just make sure you specify that you want the rental tool and not buy a new one

did so well up untill the end haha.. nah i know them wheel nuts are weak man! good info will be doing this soon!!! 👍👍👌

I could literally hear the drag link tie rod say "wtf mannnnnn" when the steering knuckle came free lol

Good video. Learning a lot. Just got a 96 xj and the entire steering tie rods ball joints are all wore out

Any tips on what to do if there is too much of a gap where the ball joint presses in? I was thinking maybe using a punch to just rough it up a bit? Any suggestions?

Torque wrench, pfff, right TIGHTY!

HOW MUCH WOULD LABOR COST FOR A JOB LIKE THIS IN A SHOP?

This is perfect, I was just about to do this on my 01 XJ. Great video!

fere good👍👍

Great video. Will this apply on my 1980 CJ5 Renegade with the Dana 30 front axle? Thanks!! Mark Feuerherdt.

Hey, i need help. I got one Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD, 6 cylinders. Why the New Lower Ball Joint won't stay in the hole arm? I try another brands and still the same. If anybody ever had this problem before. Thank you for your help.

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Hoping I don't have to just yet, but watching this did make me mindful of at least checking mine as I'm unsure of the last time they were replaced. With how my jeep has been the past year, it wouldn't surprise me if they weren't far from the grave as well

Great job there. Would this be the same way as doing a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo I6 4.0 also with that same ball joint kit? Thx much

I'm replacing my axles and hubs, and now it looks like it makes sense to do the ball joints at the same time. But wouldn't it then make sense to do the axle seals at the same time. Not to mention the fact that I need front brake pads. And wouldn't my new calipers. Hmmm 1996 ZJ 5.2 4x4

Can someone who had this angled cup put an angle finder on it and tell me degree

Where do you get those ball joint removal tools at?

This was going to be my job for the day, got the ball joints and hubs sitting in the kitchen. Think I'll order the adapter set first. Thanks for a surprisingly timely video.

Next time just slide a pipe over your breaker barfor leverage. Nice video

Issue with a 2000 xj ignition. Battery drain. With the key out of the ignition the interior lights are on, and the radio stays on and the windows have power. I think it's the lock cylinder. The key comes out in any position. Also it’s an after market radio not the original.

14:56. I was wondering wtf that was when I did mine.

Well Done very descriptive and no unneeded content!

Man, you need to get some heat in that garage. Seeing your breath is making me cold too! Just a little electric space heater on the floor aimed at your work area does wonders.

Awesome tutorial, thanks.

Working on vehicles in the cold is not easy

what brand did you buy I need to do this can't decide what brand to go with, awesome videos btw you explain thing super great !!!

I’m learning so much from you Austin hope you continue 🤙

Lower ball joint didn't seem flush with the knuckle. Is that an issue?

Thanks for the link!

Really good video. I ordered the ball joint adapters with the link you provided. They were only $34 Your video was easy to follow and very informative. I already had the ball joint press, but I'm taking your advice and ordered the adapters. I'm going with the Rough Country ball joints. Read and seen good reviews on these. Thanks again.

Good video. Good amount of detail, without being too long. Thanks!

Do you know if Advanced auto or AutoZone has the correct kit to borrow to install?

Excellent video thank you

Damn buddy , Great job ... I have a 93 ZJ 4X4 V-8 where u at i will prob . need help lol

What ball joints y'all used and had good life and performance. I got 33s and don't plan on going any bigger for a long time if at all. I'm looking at Spicer and they are 159 for all four but if something adjustable or rebuildable can be had for a lil more I'd rather go that route. I see many options and some are extremely pricey so just wanna know what y'all have experience with

Gonna be rebuilding our d30. Thanks for sharing ...

I was looking at the sun visor video. I have been at junk yards looking for a replacement, but I like the idea of just customizing them. For this video,? Are you using a heavy duty press? I am still learning about the automotive field.

wheres the link to the ball joint press with correct angled adapter ?

Hi, very nice and helpful video. I have a question, How do I know that the ball joints are failing? is there a sound or play that I can check in order to evaluate the condition of them?

Just wondering, as it seems like a good idea when doing any of the axle components like the ball joints, it would also be a good time to do the bearings, u-joints and seals(if any). Do you know of any places (Rock Auto) that offers a kit with all the parts in one package (both sides)? Thinking of doing all at the same time (both sides) as I will be using my XJ to tow my retirement home, a cargo trailer camper conversion, and it seems like a good idea to take care of these things before I hit the road. Project Bumble Jeep has 200k plus miles and I want it to be reliable. Great job documenting this. God bless.

Moog?

Hey Austin thanks for another great video. So I am looking to buy new steering knuckles for my 98 XJ, and I am having a hell of a time finding any info about that lower balljoint sleeve- the one you were planning to replace, but the existing is rusted in place. I am assuming if I buy new knuckes I need to insert those sleeves into the hole where the lower ball joint comes though. Can you please offer a little guidance on this? I literally can't find anything anywhere, including the Haynes manual. Thanks in advance...

What are some symptoms of worn ball joints when doing highway driving?

Great video 👍👍 I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport and when ball Joints go bad do they make a popping noise and cause the "Death Wobble"? that's what my Jeep is doing right now.

Thanks for the DIY.. New sub.

and thanks for the video it was well done

Hope you see this today. Do you know the part number for the tool kit.

Does the angled adapter come with the tool kit . The link took me to a another type of tool

What year is your jeep ?? Also do I need that angle to press in for a 2003 grand jeep cherokee???

The second link doesn’t lead to a product that looks like the adapters that you had in the video. Could you please check and advise?

First off "this is the future me". LMAO. Second, what are your thoughts on the Tera Flex adjustable ball joints??

Nice.

How long did this take you to do across both sides? I'm planning to replace my inner axle seals, and ball joints this weekend, and want to figure out if I need one day, or two. Cheers!

Nice piece of job I like it.

Made it look easy! Now time to do mine

Excellent.

should have used the new insert, you use it to set the preload on the ball joint. not always the same on the new ones.

so to be clear use the angle peice on top and bottom joints?

looks like your tie rod end is shot too.

About how long is this job ?

I'm so glad I found your channel! I gotta do my ball joints on a 96 Jeep Cherokee and could figure out how to do it and now I do !