removing knuckles??

89wrangler

89wrangler

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Oct 22, 2005
Location
Bostic,NC
OK, I need some help:confused: Is there a trick to removing the knuckles on a Dana 44? I am trying to install flat top knuckles with high steer arms, but cannot get the lower nut off the ball joint? When turn the nut, the stud turns as well. Is there a trick to keeping the stud from turning? The top came off ok as did both of the the flat tops. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Steve
 
do you mean the actual ball joint stud? are you planning on replacing the joints?

if it is what is turning, you could always grab the top with pliers, then start turning it to take it off, then switch to holding below the nut....this may mess the threads up, but a lower ball joint should only be about $15

:confused:
 
This is the lower joint, inside the knuckle. Can't get anything in there other than the socket and wrench, besides that there are only about 2 threads showing. Not enough to grab if I could get anything in there. Used alot of PB blastrer thus far..
Thanks
 
Did you take the cotter pin out? :D
Serously try and tighten it so the ball joint will wedge its self back into the knuckle and then try some heat on the nut to get it to break free. the reason it is spinng in that it is not wedged it tight enough.
 
89wrangler said:
OK, I need some help:confused: Is there a trick to removing the knuckles on a Dana 44? I am trying to install flat top knuckles with high steer arms, but cannot get the lower nut off the ball joint? When turn the nut, the stud turns as well. Is there a trick to keeping the stud from turning? The top came off ok as did both of the the flat tops. Any help would be greatly appreciated
Steve
Click to expand...

If you already have the top joint out and you have an impact you should be able to put a long extension down throught the where the top joint was, and try to first tighten the bottem joint to get it to keep from turning then loosen the nut. Also if you have a C clamp to press out the joints you might could put pressure on the bottom side of the ball joint to help keep it from turning.
Jim
 
tempoffroad said:
You can try putting you floor jack under it and pick up as much of the vehicle weight as you can, if its in a vehicle.
Click to expand...

This is the way to go. If you put a floor jack under it and get some weight on the ball joint it will hold it in place so you can get the nut off.
 
If jacking it to put tension on the stud doesn't work.

Cut the nut - anyway you can.
Even if you have to torch it off.
You are replaceing the knuckle and it sounds like the Balljoint is toast anyway - so there is nothing to hurt.

If you are going this far you should probably replace all 4 balljoints while you are at it.

You can get the spicer kits which have both upper an lower for one side for a good price.
 
thanks everyone. Looks like they will get the torch treatment tonight.

Stev e
 
Try putting the nut back on the upper ball joint and tighten it up. That might put enough pressure on the lower joint in the knuckle hole to hold it still while you loosen the nut. I've had good luck with this method
 
Just a follow up, putting the top nut back on and putting a jack under bottom did the trick ! :beer:
Thanks everyone
 
hey guys they do make 1/2" swivel joints :flipoff2:

socket, swivel, long extention...

and screw those cotter pins any decient impact will shred them off like they wernt even there..
 
yager said:
and screw those cotter pins any decient impact will shred them off like they wernt even there..
Click to expand...

Sheet, I always twisted them off with a ratchet.
 
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