NewBie from Chicago

[SWbySWesty]

I can't help you in the shock department since I'm don't experience winter in CA; however, where are you squeeking? Finding the source is key.

 

[codybutz]

well upon further inspection, I've found that it is the shocks squeaking and the bushings in my rear leaf spring shackles.

I've also noticed that I should start thinking about ball joints. Any suggestions? oem? aftermarket?

I swear I'll get some more pictures up after i get settled into the new place since we all know that's why everybody is here. :wings:

 

[jeepmedic46]

Welcome, XJ looks great and beautiful dog. :smiley_drive:

 

[SWbySWesty]

well upon further inspection, I've found that it is the shocks squeaking and the bushings in my rear leaf spring shackles.

I've also noticed that I should start thinking about ball joints. Any suggestions? oem? aftermarket?

I swear I'll get some more pictures up after i get settled into the new place since we all know that's why everybody is here. :wings:

I don't know how to stop the shocks from squeaking although do you have the rubber covers for the rods? If not, you should definitely get some...at least on your next set! Ball joints - I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but those are pricey...around $500 (parts only). Go on NAXJA and there are plenty of write-ups about how to do it yourself although I had a shop do it and they said good thing because they were a PITA for them to do with the proper tools! (mine were the original stock ones from 200,000 miles ago!)

Your leaf spring bushings...hit them with grease. Are they greasable or no? If not, try to spray them with a lube and if they are greasable, get out the grease gun, spooge it in, jump on the car to move the grease around. If that doesn't work, undo the bolt, pull down the shackle, grease it while turning the bushing to provide even lube and then reinstall. Simple hand tools required...and a jack.

I hate squeaks.

 

[Root Moose]

Ball joints shouldn't be that expensive - pretty certain the last ones I bought were something like 4 x $80 = $320.

If you've never changed them before and don't have the press to do it I suggest you get someone else to do it though... that'll likely bring the total to ~$500 total. It's not terribly difficult to change the BJs but without a press, air hammer and air compressor I'm not sure how practical it is to do it yourself. Even with the right tools I find it a PITA if not difficult.

 

[codybutz]

I can do ball joints, I've done them before. I have a BJ press. and i just use a pickle fork to pop them out. ya I greased the hell out of my shackles already.

I do not have the dust boots on my shocks. I've read how a lot of guys don't like them because they trap all the mud and dirt onto the shock piston.

 

[wjeeper]

Little trick on the ball joints if you have a welder run a nice hot bead on the ball joint (don't weld them onto the axle obviously:sombrero Welding causes the ball joint to shrink slightly and the heat seems to help them come out easier. (works well on stubborn bearing races too)

And if you dont have a BJ press you can rent them from Autozone, its free once you bring it back.

 

[codybutz]

So its been a while since ive posted any progress about my xj. It took me a while to save up for some bushwhacker fender flares and now that I have them I'm not to sure if I want to put them on. Also I picked up a transfer case skid from jcr and i scored a stock front skid plate for the xj's at a local JY.

I've read and printed off the bushwhacker guide to installation about a 100 times. but still i'm not very sure of them. does anybody have any tips or tricks to getting these to look right?

i'll try to get some pictures up within the next couple of days of the skids in place.

 

[Root Moose]

Sell 'em and get some Iceland Off-Road flares.