Any tips on getting rear ball joint back into the axle clamp?

[jeepguy4276]

I'm asking this on a couple forums so no need to answer if you already have. I'm just trying to get as many tips as possible. This may even be a good sticky.

Thanks all.

 

[MarkJ]

Good luck with the surgery. You know, many people on here recommend driving your Jeep regularly and "blowing the carbon out" once a week.... If you are going to be laid up for several months maybe we could all take turns driving it. Just to keep it in tip top shape of course.

 

[tommudd]

I'm asking this on a couple forums so no need to answer if you already have. I'm just trying to get as many tips as possible. This may even be a good sticky.

Thanks all.

Either roll the KJ slightly forward or backward to get it to align
OR
I remove the whole bracket, much easier for me in the long run when one is rusted tight in etc

 

[CzarKJ]

I rocked my diff back and forth with a jack. Then i took a piece of wood and put it ontop of the arm. I hammed that with a small 2lb hammer until it finally went into place.

 

[jeepguy4276]

Either roll the KJ slightly forward or backward to get it to align
OR
I remove the whole bracket, much easier for me in the long run when one is rusted tight in etc

When you say roll it back and forth do you meen with the jeep on the ground or back and forth with jacks?

Is it easier to do with the jeep on the ground?

Isn't it just as difficult to get the bracket lined up with the axel bolt holes?

What is the potential risk if I put it on the ground and drive it forward and reverse to get it to fall in?

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

What is the potential risk if I put it on the ground and drive it forward and reverse to get it to fall in?

That's exactly how I've done it. Has worked both times - you'll hear a nice heavy 'clunk' and then pull it back in the garage and tighten the bolts.

I don't have to jack it up since it's lifted enough that I can just roll under it with the creeper to work on the rear axle. If you have to jack it up just drop it off the jacks, roll it back and forth till it clunks, then jack it back up again to finish the job. :waytogo:

Bob

 

[jeepguy4276]

I drove it up and down the driveway and it popped right in.

Thanks for the tips everyone.