Hey Hoot, a while back you gave me a name of a place that sold balljoints in a set for around $200, I forgot what their name was. Do you still have that? Any info you can give me I would appreciate it.


Thanks, Steve.

here you go (http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9956&KW=ball)

Just did 'em on my '01 dually. In stock at NAPA, for short money if I recall. I believe they were MOOG. I'll check at the office tomorrow.


Be prepared. If you haven't done them before, here's a little of what to expect, at least on a 3500.


I believe the wheel adapter is what is causing the 50k replacement interval. That, and no zerks. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif Anyway, I used a full ball joint replacement kit, and had to custom make some spacers - one for removal of lowers, and one for install of uppers. I have the master kit, and still not enough. I loaded the press with all I had on 2' of pipe, and it still took heating it with oxy-acetylene. All four.


Had to remove Bearing packs. With bearing puller, split drivers side pack in two - ended up replacing both. Too bad, because the one that grenaded looked like new inside - some sort of flourescent green grease, too.


After putting so much stress on axle shaft, replaced axle u-joints (with zerks) and everything went together nicey nice.


At 50k, we were too busy, so had our front end shop - used them for years - do the work. Shortly after that, they retired. They must have known, because they didn't grease anything. Everything was put together dry, and was a PITA to get apart. NEVER AGAIN.


Hopefully, this was an extreme case. Replaced parts were:


Axle u-joints, upper and lower balls, dust shields - destroyed in removal, bearing packs and bolts, rotors, pads, and tires.


Next time will be easy! Everything went together with Never-Seize, like we have always done in the past. Should have been a job done in well under a day, but took two, what with getting parts.


Best of luck, to any and all who need to replace them. All the guys I know with 2500's don't seem to need them so often. And this truck is mostly driven on the Highway.


You fellas with new trucks have AAM axles, no? You have zerks on ALL joints? I'll give the GM boys http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif on that one.


Ty

The 2003 and up AAM front axles have no grease fittings on the ball joints. I'm injecting them with a needle.

Only two zerks, one on each tie rod end.

Interesting. Or should I say, disappointing. I guess the needle method works... Then again, I don't think it's as big an issue on 2500's. On the '01, tie rod ends are 'lubed for life' and not replaceable - have to replace whole end. Factory zerks on uppers and track bar only. Oh well, still a great truck!


What type of needle set-up? Syringe, or what? That may get me more than 50k...


Thanks


Ty

Just a needle i picked up at Pep Boys. One end is a zerk and the other a sharp hypo. Poke the boots and fill.

Thanks for the tip! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Thanks again Hoot!