Dana 44 ball joints

[James72]

I popped the ball joints out of my dana 44 today and it looks like the top one is either adjustable or had some sort of sleeve threaded in it, if it's adjustable dose anyone know the procedure? Also how is the top ball joint retained in the knuckle, it dosen't look like I can press it either way cause there is a step on both sides, it's pretty rusted though I may be missing something. Thanks, James

[James72]

I got the new ball joints in, they were just built up with rust so it only looked like it had a step, and apparently the upper threaded bushing is for preloading the ball joints now all I need is a special socket and a torque spec.


James

[Wes]

take that old sleeve out you should get new ones w/ new BJ's . Thread the new sleeve in part way install the knuckle w/ new bj's tighten down the lower I believe torque is @ 80 ft pnds. Now you will need the a spanner socket to fit the sleeve torque the sleeve down to 50 ft pnds install the upper ball joint lock nut your done.

[James72]

yep, that was exactly right, it went together pretty easy

now the next problem, I put my spindle in the parts washer and it came out without and needles left in the bearing for the drive axle.

Nobody can find them and Ford says to measure it, anyone have one? Id like just a part number then I'll just go to the bearing store and skip Ford, save some $$$.



James

[fordguy_78]

I would just go to http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-221 ... ir_kit.htm that should be what you need

[James72]

ok now I have the bearing in, every thing set up and....
When I unlock the hub it gets real tight towards the end, then when I unlock it the dog clutch wont engage right away, If I tap it with a hammer it locks in right away, almost like the spring is weak. It also feels like the knob is pushing the hub in too far when releasing the dog clutch.
This is an axle I've never used so I don't know if it was like this before.
Anyone had a similar problem?

And thanks fordguy_78 that is exactly what I needed


James