so i was trying to do my lower ball joints, i got to the point where i had the brake rotor and caliper and dust shield off. i then got stuck and wasnt sure what to do. to get the knuckle out of the way all i have to do is separate the upper ball joint from the knuckle? correct? and can i just pry on that or do i need a special tool for that? then where do I go from there?

 

Remove pinch bolt from top of knuckle, then lots of PB and a BFH. They can be rusted in there, but that bolt is what holds it together.

 

Damn how could I forget bfh.

 

ok got it out got new one pressed in, having problems getting the knuckle over the ball joint stud. no matter how i move it i cant get it on.

 

pictures to come, idk what to do now.

 

 

first pic happened when working to put the steering knuckle back on. what do i need to do about that? second pic is of underneath of ball joint, im wondering should that be flat against the underneath?

 

bump!

 

hey man im in same problem exept i cant get the upper to seperate. what did u do?

 

anybody?

 

nned some help guys

 

First pic: looks like a hub in pieces, no clue what you want to know about it, gotta be more specific.

Second pic: does not look right, but can you get the snap ring on the top to seat with it like that?

 

with the first pic what are those seals for? i dont think they are for the vaccum hub lock thing, i think they came from the inside part of the wheel hub but are they replacable or do i need a new hub?

got the snap ring on with it like that but didnt seem as easy to go on as it should have.

 

Ah, ok....IIRC looks like the seal for the hub but I've never messed with the vacuum stuff, only the older TTB hubs. They are replaceable.

If you got the snap ring on that's good, but I'd still try to press that on further...does not look right.

 

thanks for help. im gonna have to wait till get the moneys to rent the tool again and do the other side. thanks again.

 

the first pic: the redish colored one is the snap ring for axel i believe, its a plastic peice that has a metal ring around it. looks like you stretched it out

the second pic: it should be fine cause it should work its self in, there isnt much down force just upforce.

i left mine with a litle gap.

 

i figured out from looking at pics of new hubs the white piece is the very end piece on the hub. but wasnt sure bout the other two. do u think they go inside of the white piece on the hub?

 

The orange snap ring holds the CV axle into the wheel bearing. if you didnt remove that before hand, and you didnt pop the CV axle out of the axle, you probably ruined the axle shaft too. that orange snap ring is a dealer item only and must be replaced.

The ball joint needs to be pressed in further until it is seated on the control arm. That white piece goes on the back of the wheel bearing and if it will not go back on, you will need to replace the wheel bearing too.

Finesse is key here...are those AVM hubs?

How did you remove the knuckle? did you leave the CV axle in the axle housing AND in the knuckle both?

 

So I need to replace the hub and axle shaft ? I never changed hubs. It has the little screen on front so I think they stock. The knuckle kind of pulled out from the shaft. Yes axle shaft was in both at first then pulled out from knuckle. Will new shaft or wheel bearing come w that orange ring?

 

you should replace the axle shaft and the hub bearing. the bearing is held on the knuckle with 3 15mm bolts.

the snap ring is a dealer item only and does not come with the axle

 

justin, considering doing the live axle swap, do expos have the same axle shafts and bearings? also if i go to a live set up do i still need that snap ring or does the nut on the end replace that?

 

Live axle is the dumbest thing you could do....more parts turning = more wear and less fuel economy. For live axle you will need two new wheel bearings 2001-2003 ranger and two CV axles from the same truck. you will not need the snap ring

 

Justin, ive watched my truck moving before and the cj joints and stuff are already turning

 

does anyone have a diagram or picturee to show where this snap ring goes?

 

the CV axles should be stopped when your truck is in two wheel drive. That would indicate a problem with your hubs

the snap ring goes on the end of the CV axle after it is installed in the hub bearing and before the hub goes on