Changing front ball joint queries

[beerhunter]

Hi

Apologies if any of the following are numpty questions, or if all this is boring well-trodden ground...

I need to change the ball joints on what I'm told is a Dana 35 axle. I understand from other threads that I need to pull the drive shaft out, to provide clearance to the bolts holding the knuckle in place.

- are the drive shafts balanced, and so need to go back exactly as they came out? I suspect not, but wanted to check first.

- can you get replacement rubbers for the steering ball joints? The rubber on one side got split whilst popping out the b/j (which is an MOT fail here in the UK). Am I going to have to but the whole ball joint, or is it possible just to get the rubber caps? The b/j itself seems fine.

Thanks

 

[adsm08]

Usually you can get just the boot, but it depends on what your parts supplier can get. I know the local parts store here can get them.

 

[beerhunter]

Hi

Can anyone tell me the thread size on the lower front ball joint?

I had to saw the nut off, so need to buy a replacement castle nut.

many thanks

 

[AzLizard]

Hi

Can anyone tell me the thread size on the lower front ball joint?

I had to saw the nut off, so need to buy a replacement castle nut.

many thanks

You should have got new hardware with the new ball joint