[MonsterGM]

There is a threaded "split ring" type of devise that screws into the knuckle-yoke where the upper balljoint gets bolted up. Someone told me that this ring is turned to adjust the amount of force needed to steer the knuckle. Is this true? What is the procedure for adjustment???

 

[NOODLES]

I don't think it is threaded. it is used to clock the upper balljoint, to adjust the top of the wheel in or out. loosen the upper balljoint nut and beat the metal near the balljoint till it pops loose, then turn it with a crescent wrench.

 

[rmyers2051]

On my Dana 44 it IS screwed into the upper ear of main housing. I am not sure exactly what it is supposed to do, if you do not back it off as the directions on ball joint replacement dictate it is nearly impossible to reinstall the knuckle. I don't know if it is there to help facilitate the removal of the knuckle, but I do know if you unscrew it first it is near impossible to remove the knuckle.
Definition of experience ;Ability to recognize your mistakes as you make them again.
Don't ask how I know.

 

[TNRanger]

I just replaced mine on my eb44. The directions said torque to 80ft/lbs. From the looks of it, it adjusted the caster slightly. You can pick the tool up from NAPA, it's just a slotted socket. Was about $11.

 

[Oatmeal]

The stock bushing dosen't allow any caster adjustment, those are usually after market pieces. The stock ones are ment to take up any slack due to manufacturing tolerance differences (my theory anyway )........Hans

 

[Lars915]

That adjuster sets the preload in the balljoints. If it's not adjusted correctly, you'll have steering problems and short balljoint life.

In general, according to Dana's instructions:

Install the adjuster just enough to catch the end of the upper ball joint, i.e. leave it sticking out a quarter inch or so.

Install the lower joint and torque the nut.

Torque the adjuster to 50 lb/ft (the actual value seems to vary by manufacturer. Moog HD's go to 70lb/ft). You'll need the correct socket to do this. Napa sells them, there's another recent thread with the part number.

Install the upper balljoint nut and torque.

I have the Dana pages scanned here and here for reference.

 

[wetnsloppy4x]

Lars nailed it.

You can get offset preload nuts to help correct for any alignment issues. When going through my D44 I pulled out a 2* nut on one side. The other side had a regular nut.

 

[rmyers2051]

Lars nailed it.

You can get offset preload nuts to help correct for any alignment issues. When going through my D44 I pulled out a 2* nut on one side. The other side had a regular nut.

On a solid axle 44? Never seen such a thing,yet! Picture please.

 

[wetnsloppy4x]

On a solid axle 44? Never seen such a thing,yet! Picture please.

I'm glad you asked for a pic. It made me go back and look at my old pics. You'll still have to wait to see such a thing. :emb4: I confused the 2* wedge shaped shim under the upper BJ nut on mine with the collar. oops. (*note to self: Get checked out for Alzheimer's) Sorry.:emb4: Im an idiot. :emb4: