Ball Joints

[ParadiseXJ]

I've never done ball joints. My son was told he needs passenger side upper & lower. They quoted him $475 for one side. I know I can get decent parts for less than $100...although the shop told him they are $140 per side. This a highway driver, not much off-road if any, so I don't need any super duper performance or adjustable ones. Just quality OEM replacements

So...this'll be a teaching moment, for both of us...anyone got a good comprehensive How-To write-up with photos, tips & tricks? I would appreciate it. His XJ is the 90, pictured below. 4WD, 4.0 etc.

[NW99XJ]

Matt over at Bleepin Jeep has done a series of very easy to follow "How to" videos on this very subject....
Here ya go:
http://youtu.be/bf77O90BwKc

[NW99XJ]

Part II
http://youtu.be/XwWKBZRZ178

[NW99XJ]

Part III
http://youtu.be/0VlTff52KQ8

This is not a hard job to do, follow the vids, and you'll be fine. The worst case scenario, is it takes you longer than expected, you need the use of a BFH (big frickin hammer) to beat on the knuckle to release the joint from its bond with the axle, and maybe have to break out the torch to add some persuasion.
a lot of this is going to depend on how much rust/corrosion there is in there.

[NW99XJ]

As far as parts go, MOOG is a brand that seems to carry very good report among the Jeepers.
They CAN get spendy, but I recently found a kit for all four (upper and lower - both sides) for only $118 on Amazon.
(if you decide to go this route, please click on the amazon banner on the home page before you buy)
Alloy USA 11801 Ball Joint Kit for Jeep Cherokee/Wrangler - 4 Piece : Amazon.com : Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41fRk2ehXCL.@@AMEPARAM@@41fRk2ehXCL
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41fRk2ehXCL._SX450_.jpg

And as far as the tool goes that is seen in the videos....
It is the 4WD Ball Joint Press Tool From Harbor Freight ($69.00)
http://www.harborfreight.com/ball-joint-service-kit-for-2wd-and-4wd-vehicles-4065.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_21426.jpg

Trust me, this is WELL worth the investment, I have used this on so many U-joint services, and ball joint installs, it is prob one of the most valuable too kits I have in the garage.

I hope this helps.

[nickyg]

X2 what Josh said. I never changed a ball joint on a 4x4 before and was very nervous. I got a set from rockauto.com at a good price and followed Matt from bleepin jeep video. He covered every thing.. It went off without a hitch.

Here's my follow up video. It covers a problem I had with the grease fittings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDzoBU-c3hk

[Brasscatz]

Oh man.... anything that has 3 parts on youtube is NOT fun lol. Good luck with it buddy!

[XjJeepacorn]

It's actually easy! Auto zone will probably have the c clamp style tool kit you can barrow :) just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents looks like you have plenty of vids to choose from all ready lol