I have 2 ford 44 fronts, one RC 44 5 lug, one standard 44 8-lug. I'm taking the inner C's off the standard one and putting them on the RC one and retubing it, and after removing the knuckles from both axles, i noticed that ALL of the upper balljoints have what look like a helicoil insert with a tapered inside to accept the balljoint.

Are ALL 44 upper ends of knuckles like this, or have unluckily gotten 2 axles that have been drilled and tapped for different balljoints cause the old holes ovalled out?

thanks,
-Ron-

They all have them in some sort or another. Typically they have a tapered ID for the ball stud for preload. I have a Dodge 44 that had a spherical bearing with a tapered id.

they are all like that. when you put the knuckle on you first tighten the bottom ball joint to x ftlbs, then with a special tool (i made my own) tighten down the insert to x ftlbs. this sets how much drag is on the knuckle. then tighten the upper balljoint. i'm not sure how tight it should be i just do it to feel. hope this helps

The torque spec for that tapered gizmo is in the instructions included with moog balljoints.

lower balljoint 100lbs, preload 50lbs, upper balljoint 90lbs.

Originally posted by rubiconray
lower balljoint 100lbs, preload 50lbs, upper balljoint 90lbs.

The manual I read for the Waggy 44 says 100, 50, and 75 :shrug:

Thanks guys! I had just never seen those before cause up until now i'd never pulled a knuckle off a 44 front.

Since these things sort of set a pre-load, do you recommend that i get new inserts with new balljoints, or will the new balljoints come with them?

If i get new balljoints that don't come with new inserts, do i need to pull those inserts out and then set them back in there to the correct torque or should i be good just putting the balljoints into the old sleeves as they sit now?

Thanks!
-Ron-

They'll come with new ones, if they don't....run and find a new resource.

Originally posted by Krash80
Thanks guys! I had just never seen those before cause up until now i'd never pulled a knuckle off a 44 front.

Since these things sort of set a pre-load, do you recommend that i get new inserts with new balljoints, or will the new balljoints come with them?

If i get new balljoints that don't come with new inserts, do i need to pull those inserts out and then set them back in there to the correct torque or should i be good just putting the balljoints into the old sleeves as they sit now?

Thanks!
-Ron-

i just bought new ball joints for my dana 44 and they come with the sleeves/inserts, nut, grease fitting...you need a special tool to remove and install the sleeves...about twenty bucks from napa or you can make your own.

I have cracked a few of those insert tools. How are you guys making your own? Modified tube or sockets?

i just used a piece of tube. works pretty well