front shocks/struts and ball joints

[Dylan418Hewitt]

Just wondering if there is a write up on here for replacing the front shocks/struts and the front ball joints

[atraudes]

I don't think we have a guide on the struts, but just do a Google search on replacing MacPherson struts. They're all pretty much the same. Just be careful while dealing with the springs: they can be extremely dangerous.

In regards to the ball joints:

When you're using the pitman arm puller to pop the ball joint bolts out, don't completely remove the nut. The ball joint bolt will come out suddenly. Also, don't try to improvise by hammering on the bolt instead of using a pitman arm puller. It'll destroy the bolt threads and won't work.

2WD is pretty simple.

1. Jack up the side and remove the tire.
2. Remove the three bolts at the end of the lower arm (on the bottom, right next to the ball joint).
3. Use a pitman arm puller to pop the ball joint bolt out of the knuckle.

Reverse the procedure to install.

For 4WD, it's a bit more complicated. You’ll need to remove the front driveshaft from the steering knuckle before you can follow the instructions above. The AX-10 section of the FSM has a guide on doing this.

I highly recommend getting Proforged ball joints. They make really hardcore products and don't need to be regreased periodically like other brands. Just know that if you do, you'll need a 23mm wrench/socket for the nut which most sets don't come with. The stock nut is 24mm.

Let me know if you have any questions!

[atraudes]

I used the EverTough 67025 pitman arm puller, by the way, which was the "larger" puller available for rent at O'Reilly.