Sorry, cant do it bro, didnt spend much more than that on my 99..oh well..I will keep my eyes open...

Chase

BTW, not saying you are asking too much, I just happened to come across a REALLY good deal...

I understand. I would probably come down some, depending on if I change the boot or not and some other things. well, if you know anyone interested, let me know

thanks

Well, I finally changed the boots using the shortcut method described on this site. It was fairly easy, the only problem i had were getting the right parts (couldnt find boots to fit properly) and I had to remove the shock absorber to allow room to work on the axle by pulling it towards the front side of the vehicle and up. It wouldnt go back because of the bump stop or forward because of the shock.

I decided to change both ball joints. the upper got a little leak as i was removing it from the knuckle, and the lower blew out after having the weight of the spindle on it at an awkward angle for prolonged time. the rubber on the bottom ball joint was dry-rotted, so it was only a matter of time before it was gonna blow anyway.

Anybody see any problem with changing one side only, or are ball joints supposed to be changed on both sides at the same time?

I am having problems getting the lower ball joint to separate. i bought one of those "pickle forks" after cracking a cheap 2 jaw puller, and I beat the hell out of it, and it still wont give. I have the jackstands under the front crossmember and the control arms hanging with a jackstand just sitting underneath. I also disconnected the link to the sway bar just in case that was preventing the control arm from moving, but that didnt help. any tricks? Should i put the weight of the vehicle on the lower control arm to do this?

Don't really have any "tricks" for you, but the only way I could get mine to seperate was to completely remove the spindle from the axle shaft, then just a tap and it popped right out. By removing the 4 bolts on the lower BJ instead of killing myself trying to seperate it the hard way. I too have broken many forks and pullers try this.

If you go my method you might as well repack the wheel bearings while you're in there

On a '98 Rodeo does the ABS sensor pull right out of the spindle after removing the hex head fastener? Mine seemed tight and didn't readily come out (Didn't want to break it if there was a trick).

I took both A frames to a shop and had them remove the ball joints. Cost $7 a piece. They also removed and replaced the bushings for $12 each.

Well worth the money IMHO.

Jim

i was able to get it out with a pitman arm puller. it was tight as hell, i thought the puller was gonna crack before the joint finally gave way.

and then it still wouldnt come out anyway becasue it hit the outer cup on the outer cv joint. theres not enough room to get the ball joint past the cup, so I had to remove the spindle from the half shaft completely to get the necesarry clearance.

I bought one of the boot kits from Matt at Indy4x4. It's a great idea but the boot was a real mother to get over the cone and onto the shaft. We even heated the boot over a woodstove to soften it up and then, after applying the K-Y gel, I had to place the cone on the floor and put my weight on it to get it to slide over the large end of the cone. Then I had to quickly move it to the axle and shove it on the rest of the way without it slipping back off the cone. I was exhausted after doing one axle. Once on, they fit well and have been holding up great. I was worried about the boot slipping off the flange but it has held. One piece boots are the only way to go but I hope you have good forearm strength to install them.

Jay

Are you talking about the "mega boots" with the cone installation tool?

KJK, IIRC it has a hex head and then we had to pry on it a little to work it out. If you need some help just pm me and the rest of the DFW zu's can lend a hand. Besides we all have some wrenching to do after our recent trip. You should come hang out. We would be glad to help you out. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />