Re: ihc-digest V5 #4

[Tony Sobrito <tony@domain.elided>]

>Last week I purchased the last major parts before getting old Scout
>inspected.  Four ball joints, drag link, tie-rod ends, and 6 universal
>joints.  The axle is from a '79 Scout and is a Dana 44 with 40 deg steer. 
>
>I've never tried to remove ball joints like these before.  Any 
>suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Steve,
After going through the service manual, this is no biggie once you get the
front end disassembled. After you get down to the bare knuckles on the
housing break loose the big nuts, remove the top one and leave the bottom
one on about half way for now. I sprayed some liquid wrench around the
tapers and beat on top of the upper ball joint until they brake loose, drop
and are caught by the lower nut.
Now you can pop the clips and drive out the old joints, i was able to get 2
new ones back in but ended up going to the shop for pressing on the last 2.
I will have them press all 4 or buy the tool on the next one I do. You will
need a special socket for the threaded tapered sleeve on the upper ball
joint (about $20 in 4 wheel drive hardware catalog).

Perfect time for a lock rite or lower gears!

Tony