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Home >> GMC >> 1986 >> Jimmy 6.2 C >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Front Suspension >> Suspension - Front (4WD) - Except "S" Series >> Removal & Installation >> Steering Arm, Knuckle, Ball Joints & Kingpins >> Installation

Steering Arm, Knuckle, Ball Joints & Kingpins: Installation

  1. Position new lower ball joint into knuckle bore, ensuring joint stud is straight. Using "C" clamp, Installer (J-23454-2) and Sleeve (J-23454-3, J-23454-4 or J-6382-3), press lower ball joint into knuckle until completely seated in bore. See Fig 1 . Install new snap ring.
    Fig 1: Removing & Installing Lower Ball Joint In Steering Knuckle The lower ball joint must be removed before servicing the upper ball joint.
    G31432
  2. Position new upper ball joint in knuckle bore. Using "C" clamp, Installer (J-23454-2) and Sleeve (J-23454-3, J-23454-4 or J-6382-3), press upper joint completely into knuckle bore. See Fig 2 . Position knuckle and ball joints into yoke. Install new retainer nuts (finger tight) onto studs.
    Fig 2: Removing & Installing Upper Ball Joint In Steering Knuckle Ensure new upper ball joint is pressed completely into knuckle bore during installation.
    G31433
  3. Push up on knuckle (to keep stud from turning) while partially tightening lower ball joint retainer nut to 30 ft. lbs. (40 N.m). Tighten yoke upper ball joint stud adjusting sleeve to 50 ft. lbs. (70 N.m) using Spanner Wrench (J-23447).
  4. Tighten upper ball joint stud retainer nut to 100 ft. lbs. (136 N.m). Install new cotter pin. Do not loosen stud nut to insert cotter pin. Tighten only enough to align slot in nut to stud hole.
  5. Apply final torque of 70 ft. lbs. (95 N.m) to lower stud nut. If tie rod and steering arm were removed, assemble steering arm to knuckle. Install 3 new stud adapters and tighten 3 new self-locking mounting nuts to 90 ft. lbs. (120 N.m).
  6. Install tie rod end stud in knuckle arm bore. Tighten stud nut to 45 ft. lbs. (60 N.m) and install new cotter pin. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Lubricate suspension components with proper grease.


  1. Install new grease retainer and lower kingpin bearing race using hammer and Front Kingpin Bearing Race Remover/Installer (J-7817). Fill grease retainer with specified grease, then lubricate bearing and install.
  2. Using hammer and Kingpin Bearing Oil Seal Installer (J-22301), tap in seal until properly seated. Do not distort seal. It will protrude slightly from surface of yoke flange when fully installed.
  3. Using hammer and Kingpin Socket (J-26871), install upper kingpin. Tighten to 500-600 ft. lbs. (678-813 N.m). Install new felt seal onto kingpin. Assemble knuckle. Install tapered bushing over kingpin. Install lower bearing cap and kingpin with 4 cap screws, then tighten (alternately and evenly) to 70-90 ft. lbs. (95-120 N.m).
  4. Install compression spring onto upper kingpin bushing. Install bearing cap, with new gasket, over 4 studs. Tighten nuts (alternately and evenly) to 70-90 ft. lbs. (95-120 N.m). To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Lubricate suspension components with proper grease.
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