All Trucks, Campers, Trailers, RV's and Motor Homes - Dakota ball joint
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diybarbs
08-22-09, 08:23 AM
Well I'm back again. All four ball joints are done. Wasn't really a big deal. My question is : I installed Moog K7267. There is a snap ring and a ridge for it on the ball joint. When we pressed it in it just simply wouldn't (can't) go that far. Top was flush with arm just as before. We compared the old one (which is not original) and they match up exactly. The old one also had a ridge which was basically "buried" in the control arm frame. I tried to cross-reference part number and only come up with Dakotas and Durangos. This part number applies to 4WD only not 2WD. If the joint comes "up" to far you will have axle clearance problems. Should I be concerned? Is it just a production thing?:(
Unclediezel
08-22-09, 07:48 PM
Yes you should be concerned.......The snap ring has to be there....
It is possible that they were "Mis-Boxed".....
It is possible that they were "Mis-Boxed".....
diybarbs
08-23-09, 07:35 AM
I called my friend about ball joints. We are going to double check anyway this week. He could have sworn they were in all the way. (I was around the other side disassembling/assembling so I wasn't exactly watching) Snap rings are in trash can but we know where they are. I am pretty sure I remember comparing an old one and a new one and they looked the same and the old ones were flush. Any way it really shouldn't take that long to get to it as we just did it. Keep you posted;)
nap
08-23-09, 10:33 AM
what is the year of the dakota and 2 or 4 wheel drive?
If the joint comes "up" to far you will have axle clearance problems.
and what do you mean by that? what are you thinking is going to have contact problems?
If the joint comes "up" to far you will have axle clearance problems.
and what do you mean by that? what are you thinking is going to have contact problems?
diybarbs
08-23-09, 11:31 AM
well being the impatient guy I am. We jacked it up and took it apart for a look see. Put the press on it with a spacer on top and guess what...up she came - not much just enough for the snap ring groove. axle clearance is fine. Didn't take long at all. Still wondering about the old ones (also in "wrong"??) Anyway thanks guys:):)
P.S. it was a 98 4X4
P.S. it was a 98 4X4
nap
08-23-09, 03:34 PM
sounds like the old ones might have been installed wrong, as you suggest.
I guess it's a goof thing they were a really tight fit:eek:
I guess it's a goof thing they were a really tight fit:eek:
Unclediezel
08-25-09, 06:42 PM
Are you SURE the ones you took out werent "FACTORY"......
OEM uses a Plastic/Nylon injected into the housing to secure them....Sorta like The stuff in factory U-Joints....It isnt practical to replace the nylon, so they give you a snap Ring instead.
OEM uses a Plastic/Nylon injected into the housing to secure them....Sorta like The stuff in factory U-Joints....It isnt practical to replace the nylon, so they give you a snap Ring instead.
diybarbs
08-28-09, 01:53 PM
Sorry for late reply. Doing other things. POSITIVE. I still have receipt from when it was done....along with 4 tires and alignment. Everything is OK now;)