How to tighten lower ball joint

[jrcflash]

I just pressed in new Spicer ball joints in my 1976 Dana 44. I can not get the nut to tighten on the lower ball joint. The joint just spins. How to I keep the joint from spinning while I tighten the nut?

 

[gotdads68]

Large channel lock pliers pinching the inner c and knuckle will usually create enough friction on the ball joint taper to get it to stop spinning, otherwise using an impact gun and pulsing the trigger sometimes works.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Use a jack and put some pressure under the joint.

 

[Timmy390]

Tighten the top first. that should pull it up into the taper enough to stop if from spinning.

As said, jack works too

Tim

 

[gotdads68]

Use a jack and put some pressure under the joint.

IF the axle is on the truck, doesn't do much otherwise. ;D

 

[Viperwolf1]

IF the axle is on the truck, doesn't do much otherwise. ;D

You just got to get creative in those cases.

 

[gotdads68]

You just got to get creative in those cases.

Indeed, I can picture a couple of scenarios. Haha

 

[CopperRanger]

Ball Joints:

Bottom: 70 to 90 ft. lbs. Put a jack under it and apply pressure if it spins
Sleeve: 40 ft. lbs.
Top: 90 ft. lbs. Then tighten to align cotter pin never loosen
These should be done in this order.

Pull test: No less than 10 lbs. No more than 26 lbs. My Ford manual says no more than 40 lbs. but from what I read on here seems everybody goes with
26 lbs.

 

[Skiddy]

Use a jack and put some pressure under the joint.

that's the way I have always done it. well unless it isn't on the truck;D

 

[Steve83]

Tighten the top first.

No, that's what causes the problem to begin with. LOOSEN the top, and free the sleeve from the bore so it can slide, allowing the knuckle to carry the lower up. THEN put force on the lower to get that taper to seat. Tighten the top LAST.