Passenger side steering knuckle help.

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Redtruck-VA

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My new to me 1989 2wd D250 has a problem and I need to replace the passenger side steering knuckle. Put it on the alignment rack and it was obvious the top ball joint is both damaged and installed incorrectly. What I think happened is at some point the ball joint was replaced and the threads were stripped in the upper control arm and a replacement ball joint for a 3000# AXLE was inserted and then welded in place. Next it was bolted to the knuckle. Problem being is the axle is a 4000# axle and the uses a bigger ball joint. I'm sure they noticed, but because it was already welded the let it go. Of course the welding destroyed the ball joint and the stud not being the right size has worked on the taper hole in the knuckle. I'm afraid the knuckle is trashed. I have a new upper control arm ordered, along with bushings and 4000# ball joint. I have a new lower ball joint already. What I'm seeing is the 3000# and 4000# UCA are the same with only difference being ball joints. I'm new with owning a 1G and don't know all the sources. So if someone has a spare passenger side 4000# axle knuckle I really need it. Please PM or post your information.

oWmK2c.jpg
 

crazzywolfie

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is the ball joint stud loose in the spindle? if not it will probably be ok. the 2wd trucks generally share a lot of parts and the d250's can be a mix of 1/2 ton and 1 ton parts. i wouldn't even be a bit surprised if a upper control arm off a d150 would work. they use the same bushings. the only thing i know of that might be different on some of the heavier trucks is the lower control arms get heavier bushing with bigger bolt or sometimes a different lower control arm.
 
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Redtruck-VA

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is the ball joint stud loose in the spindle? if not it will probably be ok. the 2wd trucks generally share a lot of parts and the d250's can be a mix of 1/2 ton and 1 ton parts. i wouldn't even be a bit surprised if a upper control arm off a d150 would work. they use the same bushings. the only thing i know of that might be different on some of the heavier trucks is the lower control arms get heavier bushing with bigger bolt or sometimes a different lower control arm.

Yes, unfortunately there is considerable movement. It looked trashed to me. I think I have one located, but I believe it is going be pricey. ugh
 

crazzywolfie

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are you sure you got a 4000lb front axle because all i can find rotors for is a 3300lb front axle for the 2wd truck. the 4000lb front axle rotors look like they are for the 4x4 trucks. 3300lb front axles are fairly heavy. my whole truck only weighed 3800lbs with me in it i got a 3300lb front end on my 81 d150 and the part number on the wheel bearings said it was for a 3/4 or 1 ton. i was having a hard time getting the right rotor for my truck originally. luckily the 3rd 1 i took home was correct

i wonder if you can get tapered sleeves to insert into the damaged hole? also if you are looking for one don't just stick to looking at dodge trucks. may also want to look at dodge ram vans. any 72-03 350 or 3500 ram van uses the same 4000lb upper and lower ball joint. now if you got a 3300lb front axle like i think you do they used the same rotors from 81-97 on the 350/3500 ram vans and maybe some 250/2500(8lug wheels) and you could probably get a spindle off one of those and they should work.
 
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Redtruck-VA

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are you sure you got a 4000lb front axle because all i can find rotors for is a 3300lb front axle for the 2wd truck. the 4000lb front axle rotors look like they are for the 4x4 trucks. 3300lb front axles are fairly heavy. my whole truck only weighed 3800lbs with me in it i got a 3300lb front end on my 81 d150 and the part number on the wheel bearings said it was for a 3/4 or 1 ton. i was having a hard time getting the right rotor for my truck originally. luckily the 3rd 1 i took home was correct

i wonder if you can get tapered sleeves to insert into the damaged hole? also if you are looking for one don't just stick to looking at dodge trucks. may also want to look at dodge ram vans. any 72-03 350 or 3500 ram van uses the same 4000lb upper and lower ball joint. now if you got a 3300lb front axle like i think you do they used the same rotors from 81-97 on the 350/3500 ram vans and maybe some 250/2500(8lug wheels) and you could probably get a spindle off one of those and they should work.


I actually don't know what axle it has, but on the door plate it says 3830 lbs. for front axle.

MhlQa0.jpg
 
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crazzywolfie

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the tag on my truck said 2800lbs for the front. it was pretty far off also.

well you could still look at the 81-97 ram 350/3500 vans for parts. i know the ram vans are sometimes easier to still find around. might be able to find one cheaper. if you have to take it off your self it might be worth the money to buy a ball joint separator from harbor fright. i have heard good things about them. it sure looks like it would make the job easy.
3/4" Forged Ball Joint Separator
 
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Redtruck-VA

Redtruck-VA

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I'm not understanding the data plate info, the dealership parts guy also didn't understand which surprises me some. One would think they would have got it sorted out in the last 25 years.
 

crazzywolfie

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the trucks are too old for the people at the dealer to know much. i know most of the people at the dealer would be surprised to see an old truck like that still on the road. i wonder if you can get a build sheet for it at the dealer for it still? if so that might help you figure things out but then again it might just confuse you more. it probably would not hurt to try getting one.
 
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That's a good idea, probably written on a stone tablet and would be too heavy for me to carry. I found on another diesel forum where it is said all D250's have 4000# axles. I'll see if I can find some clarification. The truth is once I get this sorted out I hopefully won't need to be concerned with it again. I am a old man after all and this fix should last...
 

crazzywolfie

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lol not quite but ya sometime getting a build sheet from a dealer can be a pain depending on the dealer. you could try having one emailed to you.
Email Dodge

ya it probably don't hurt to get a couple peoples opinions. i don't know the heavier trucks that well. i just know what i learn as i go and see what is compatible between trucks on rock auto.
 
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Redtruck-VA

Redtruck-VA

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lol not quite but ya sometime getting a build sheet from a dealer can be a pain depending on the dealer. you could try having one emailed to you.
Email Dodge

ya it probably don't hurt to get a couple peoples opinions. i don't know the heavier trucks that well. i just know what i learn as i go and see what is compatible between trucks on rock auto.

I really appreciate your input, this is all new to me. I really like the truck and want it all sorted out to drive.

Thanks,
 
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Redtruck-VA

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Your an asset to the forum and help keep the traffic up. Doing research brings up all kinds of interesting stuff. I have a lot to learn about my 1G.
 

crazzywolfie

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doing research can also get you all sort of new projects. you start stumbling accross all sorts of upgrades.
 
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Redtruck-VA

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I have a hard time controlling myself, I really like changing stuff up. It's been an addiction all my life. Once I get the Farmtruck up and running I have to get my Redtruck back running.
 

crazzywolfie

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modding vehicles can be addictive. the big thing is to usually take care of the weak points and they usually keep running forever.
 
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Redtruck-VA

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That's a fact as you start building power the weak links will show themselves.... lol
 

crazzywolfie

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for the most parts dodge trucks are fairly good over all. the only main issue with these old trucks tend to have is electrical. lots of electrical upgrades that you can do
 
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Redtruck-VA

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The wiring on mine is a mess. Everything seems to work, but I got pig tails every where. I'll have to address them at some point.
 

crazzywolfie

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yup that ends up happening with age. not much you can do about it other than become good with electrical and fix the issues as they pop up. i know i have learn a lot about electrical over the years just to keep my truck as reliable as it is.
 
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