Installation Manual

After installing MOOG ball joints on Ford Super
Duty and Dodge Ram HD straight axle 4x4 and twin
I-beam trucks, some customers may encounter
poor steering wheel return (referred to as “memory
steer”), a tight feel on center on the highway and
difficulty when turning the knuckle. This may be
the result of ball joint binding due to improper
installation. All straight axle and twin I-beam
designs have manufacturing variations horizontally
between upper and lower taper holes in the knuckle/
axle and also variation between mounting locations
of the upper and lower ball joint.
MOOG ball joints have precision metal tolerances
(similar to a crankshaft bearing.) When installed
properly, they will provide superior service life.
Using improper procedures can effect product
operation and shorten service life due to the
excessive load that these variations can place
on ball joints.
We recommend installing MOOG Problem Solver
ball joints:
K80026 Upper, K8607T Lower
(See MOOG Problem Solver Bulletin 212002
to learn more about these specific ball joints.)
Proper installation procedures with
MOOG Problem Solver ball joints will ensure
a more profitable job, with less comebacks
and more satisfied customers.
In addition, close attention should be paid to the
steering gear box, steering damper, and front
axle u-joints during the repair procedure. These
components, if faulty, can cause symptoms similar
to failed ball joints and will result in comebacks and
time-consuming diagnostics.
Remove the upper ball joint cotter pin and nut.
Loosen, but do not remove, the lower ball
joint nut.
Strike the lower and upper end of the axle to
loosen the ball joints. (FIG 3)
On Ford applications - Use the Ford service tool
to remove the camber adjuster. Note its position.
(FIG 4). IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU REMOVE
THE BUSHING AND CLEAN THE MATING
SURFACES BEFORE PROCEEDING.
Remove the wheel hub, bearing and axle.
Refer to the factory service manual for proper
safety and repair proceedures.
With the axle out, inspect the u-joint. If the
u-joint is in poor shape it should be replaced.
Failed u-joints can cause noise and binding, and
are easily replaced at this point. We recommend
replacing with MOOG premium u-joint 374.
Remove the tie rod cotter pin and the tie rod end
nut. (FIG 1)
Using an appropriate tool, disconnect the tie
rod end from the wheel knuckle. (FIG 2)
Con’t next column Con’t next page
DODGE
RAM 2500 1998-1994
RAM 2500 PICKUP 1999
RAM 3500 1998-1994
RAM 3500 PICKUP 1999
FORD
EXCURSION 2005-2000
F-250 SUPER DUTY 2010-1999
F-350 1997-1992
F-350 SUPER DUTY 2010-1999
F-450 SUPER DUTY 2004-1999
F-550 SUPER DUTY 2004-1999
Vehicles affected
Overview
Removal Procedure
Removal Procedure (con’t)
Camber
Adjuster
(if equipped)
2.
1.
Remove the lower ball joint nut and the
wheel knuckle.
Now remove the ball joints from the knuckle. It is
easier to remove the lower ball joint first. First,
remove the snap ring, then use a ball joint press
and appropriate receiving cups and adapters.
Then remove the upper ball joint from the
knuckle, utilizing a ball joint press and
appropriate receiving cups and adapters. (FIG 5)
Axle
Seal
U-Joint
Knuckle
with
Ball Joints
Tie Rod
3.
Receiving Cup
OTC #38354
Upper Ball Joint
Receiving Cup
OTC #222305
Adapter
OTC #305227
Lower Ball Joint
5.
REMOVAL
4.
Camber
Adjuster
FORD
APPLICATION
ADVICE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL
DID YOU KNOW?
Ball Joint Replacement / Memory Steer Issues
Ford Super Duty / Dodge Ram 2550 / 3500 Trucks with Straight Axles
DY K12 -101
tech line:
1-800-325-8886
moogproblemsolver.com
www.FMe-cat.com
For parts lookup, visit
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