Question for you guys, i need to do the lower ball joint on the passenger side, the u joint on the axle shaft has play as well and i think thats where my TINK noise is comming from when i hit it in reverse or drive. I dont have alot of money ATM not after spending probly $1500 on other repairs/upgrades on the Jeep or so much the last month and my Pinched nerve i had
But to pass state inspection. And to keep my new tires from wearing (because i am already noticing this side wearing differently) and well so i dont have my wheel fall off, i need to tackle this ball joint. I know i should be doing the upper as well and the spindle bearings and the axle seals and yada yada but I cant buy a couple hundred dollars in parts right now. I did do the inner and outer wheel bearings/races and seals 3-4 years ago so I will at least re-grease those bearings.
This how to link http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=101152 is pretty straight foward, however the question i have is this, the upper join has a split ring washer which needs a tool. Do i need to worry about this washer and buy this tool if im just doing the lower ball joint ? I know i gatta remove the knuckle to get to the ball joint pressing tool in there to remove the lower joint but im assuming if i dont touch the upper joint that i dont have to worry about this washer and tool for it. Just put the nuckle back in and castle nut back on and torque it right ?
Again i know i should do the spindle bearing and the seal and the upper joint while im in here, but between both joints, the bearing, the seal, the tool i need for the washer if i do the upper joint, the u joint and yada yada itll be a couple hundred $ that i dont have. Plus the upper joint isnt bad, and the spindle bearing i hear nothing when driving. Its just the lower joint and axle shaft u joint that are bad.
If i have too down the road do the upper joint than thats on me to take it apart again, but i just gatta get this safe and pass the stupid state inspection before the end of the month. Thanks for the advice in advance. Oh and does anyone have a good recomendation on a new steering stabilizer ? Mine has been leaking for years and while i dont notice any bump steer, i figure i should replace that since its easy and can contribute to tire wear
Side note
I hate state inspections man virginia was suppose to get rid of em this year, but instead they voted to increase the price of them and now increased our vehicle properly taxes too.... F man.. i understand their purpose but its crazy how much work ive done to this Jeep as alot of you know, yet i see cars falling apart with holes in the body, bottomed out suspensions, and holes in the exhausts and just everything is falling apart, Yet they have good stickers.. And i fail for dumb things like a light bulbs or something. I know the ball joint isnt " dumb" but i hate how much work i have to do, to do things right and these people get stickers on their Junk.. frustrating man,
If i didnt drive this thing so much daily, i would get the antique tags on it so i dont have to worry about being rushed on repairing something as the antique tags dont need inspection, my ZJ will 23 soon, 2 more years and i could get antique tags on both of em.. Almost considering doing that and splitting the driving time between the two so i dont get in trouble lol