Replacing Ball-joints Need Guidance

[mrmo]

Im getting ready to replace ball joints. Done many over the years on various vehicles, never on a Gladiator. So i need guidance on front axle shaft removal. Like special tools, seals that need replaced, do i have to remove c-clips in the diff or similar. Need to do this over an afternoon so dont want surprises

Thanks for all help

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[ShadowsPapa]

No C-clips.

 

[froril]

No need to open the diff.
Someone correct me if I get something wrong.
For the front axles.
1. Remove axle nut. If I remember correctly it’s a 36mm. The only thing I had to buy was this socket.
2. Remove wheels
3. Remove brake caliper and caliper brackets.
4. Remove Rotors
5. Unbolt wheel bearings and speed sensor
6. I put the rotor back on the hub and use a few lug nuts on the studs to use the rotor as a (slide hammer) to remove the wheel bearings and axle shafts.

The passenger side inner axle shaft shouldn’t need to be pulled to change the ball joints out.

*note* the passenger side has a front axle disconnect that to get the inner axle out you’ll need to pull the FAD skid plate and FAD module off to get access to a c clip in there on the inner axle shafts to remove it.

 

[mrmo]

Excellent help, thanks men. I knew it was a two piece right side, and had read about FAD removal. Are the axle seals pressed on (retainer collar) like Ford axles? I want to replace

 

[froril]

The only axle seals I saw in there were in the differential housing. The only way I saw to get to them is to remove the cover, axles and drop the Diff to change them out. They are press in.

 

[mrmo]

Ok, i wll order some to change them

 

[Hootbro]

This should cover most of it.

 

[kevman65]

Just in case, get a FAD gasket. Mine was dry and brittle and shattered when I pulled the FAD cover.

 

[professorkx]

This is an easy job, just take your time, you will be fine…no special tools except the ball joint kit. If I remember correctly, you will need a 9/16 12-point socket to remove the three bolts holding the hub in the knuckle.

 

[mrmo]

This should cover most of it.

Thanks, this is great stuff. Ive wrenched on many vehicles, but due to transportation needs, i need to be able to do this one in an afternoon

 

[Rusty PW]

Thanks, this is great stuff. Ive wrenched on many vehicles, but due to transportation needs, i need to be able to do this one in an afternoon

If time is your problem. Do one side one weekend and the other side the next weekend.

 

[Lunentucker]

Lots of step by step videos out there for numerous aftermarket suppliers.

 

[mrmo]

yeah, not very hard, i was concerned w seal replacement and FAD disassembly. looks pretty basic

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