ball joint q's

[crawlin91]

1.)How do I tell if my ball joints are bad/good?
2.)Is it possible to swap em from axle to axle?( I bought a D35 thats all new from hub to hub but I have to swap the knuckles because they were modified "lots of sloppy welding to run heim joints" and was thinking of using the ball joints from it if I can)

Oh and my truck already needs an alignment. How much can I get away with as far as removal of the front axle assembly without getting it redone right away? Im lifting it soon... etc. etc

 

[Ranger44]

1) They'll have lots of play. Usually people do it with the tire on, grab the tire at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions and rock it back and forth. Shouldn't have much play.

2) Totally possible. The first is a home-made tool, and the second you can put a deposit down at auto-zone and rent.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/BallJoints.html
&
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/balljoints2.htm

Not sure what you mean by the 3rd question.....

Does is vibrate or something? Toe is the minimal alignment.

 

[crawlin91]

1) They'll have lots of play. Usually people do it with the tire on, grab the tire at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions and rock it back and forth. Shouldn't have much play.

2) Totally possible. The first is a home-made tool, and the second you can put a deposit down at auto-zone and rent.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/BallJoints.html
&
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/balljoints2.htm

Not sure what you mean by the 3rd question.....

Does is vibrate or something? Toe is the minimal alignment.

Well I will be replacing my dana 35 with a rebuilt setup with 4.56s and was curious if I could get away with driving it for a few days (short distances maybe 3-4 miles max) before I take it to the shop for the alignment. Obviously not engaging it in 4wheel drive because of gear differences....and the 8.8 with 4.56 and locker installed shortly thereafter

 

[Ranger44]

I don't think it'd be a problem. If not aligned it may vibrate a little at higher speeds, but no real adverse effects.