Passenger side steering knuckle help.

Redtruck-VA · Oct 30, 2014

I've had my PCM wired parallel to a stand alone system on my 03, not counting various other electrical mods. I just need a service manual for me to understand what the engineers were doing. Doesn't really make it easier, but doable after a lot of wire chasing.
Was talking to a 1G salvage yard this afternoon and he pulled a 4000# spindle for me and posted it on ebay which I bought. This guy has a lot of parts (partsitout) and is easy to work with. I still need a OEM air filter and a red ash tray. Should have the knuckle Monday.

crazzywolfie · Oct 30, 2014

cool. at least these older trucks are fairly simple electrically but that is also part of there down fall. they could have really used a some more relays for some of the stock circuits especially the headlight and heater circuits.

Redtruck-VA · Oct 30, 2014

I'm thinking the headlights are a little dim. First thought probably grounds need to be freshened up.

crazzywolfie · Oct 30, 2014

cleaning the grounds up probably wouldn't hurt but i think the stock ground to the headlights are pretty wimpy according to the wiring diagrams. it would actually be a good idea to make or order a relay harness for the headlight. it usually makes a noticeable difference.

Redtruck-VA · Oct 30, 2014

That would be no problem, I have a box of 30a relays in the shop. Power them straight off the battery. good idea. Old iron is going to be fun...

crazzywolfie · Oct 30, 2014

yup. that is usually one of the recommended upgrades. you can also even set it up to keep your low beams on when your high beams are on and it give you a lot more light if you ever need it on a dark road.

Redtruck-VA · Oct 31, 2014

I'm pretty much night blind and need a lot of light out here in the country.

Merc225hp · Oct 31, 2014

I just did a headlight upgrade up here for a buddy with a 1st gen. Got new headlight housing's that take the 9007 bulbs, full kit for under a $100 great upgrade over the sealed beam lights. He has a W250 CC/LB and he is seeing 28mpg running M/T, 23 mpg pulling a 30' 5th wheel, its all stock as far as I know. Good to read you found a knuckle.

Redtruck-VA · Oct 31, 2014

That's excellent mileage..... The problem I'm having now is finding a 2-1/8 socket to fit the new ball joint. Checked Tractor Supply and the local auto parts stores. Nothing so far... The new UCA needs to have the ball joint threaded into it. Note the ball joint is self threading. I didn't know this before. Went to the dealer for the UCA and told them, this can't be right it has no threads. And then was told I had to screw in the new ball joint into it.

dodge dude94 · Oct 31, 2014

You might try getting some of those crystal housings and putting LED bulbs in 'em. 2000 lumens a bulb. lol

Good to see things are getting done.

What is the name the screen name of guy you bought the spindle from?

crazzywolfie · Oct 31, 2014

i think this is the socket you need. you might be able to find one at a parts store. only thing is you will need a 3/4" drive
Amazon.com: OTC (8034) Chrysler Ball Joint Socket: Automotive

Redtruck-VA · Oct 31, 2014

Yes that is the tool, I ordered one and should have it in a couple days. It is a special tool just for Chrysler ball joints. Go figure.... The shop I do most of my work in didn't have the tool so I told them I would go ahead and buy one. The ebay parts guy goes by "Partsitout" his name is Larry and he has his phone number posted so it is easy to talk to him. Seemed to me a standup guy. I'll buy from him again..

crazzywolfie · Oct 31, 2014

ya if i remember correctly amazon was the cheapest place to order from. if your old control arm had not been damaged i would have suggested a pipe wrench. i think that is what Richard(SixGun) on RCC has recommended to me to do that job. so far all the advise he has giving me was pretty good but i know he completely rebuild the front of his 2wd with all new parts when he lifted it.

Redtruck-VA · Oct 31, 2014

I'll post up some pictures of the UCA and ball joint. I'm thinking a pipe wrench may not fit in there very well.

crazzywolfie · Oct 31, 2014

hard to say. i just think that is how i remember him doing it but a socket would be better. just sucks that you might only use it a couple times in its lifetime.

Redtruck-VA · Oct 31, 2014

crazzywolfie said:
hard to say. i just think that is how i remember him doing it but a socket would be better. just sucks that you might only use it a couple times in its lifetime.

Agreed, maybe I can sell it to the shop? They should have more use for it, but on the other hand they haven't needed one yet in all the years they have been in business. Makes me wonder about these things wearing out.

crazzywolfie · Oct 31, 2014

i think if they are greased every so often they usually last a pretty long time.

Redtruck-VA · Oct 31, 2014

crazzywolfie said:
i think if they are greased every so often they usually last a pretty long time.

I hope so, IMO, the ball joint is plenty beefy enough, but I'm not impressed with the look of the UCA. Doesn't look all that beefy. lol

crazzywolfie · Oct 31, 2014

lol the upper control arms don't have that much stress it just goes along for the ride and adjusts camber/caster. the LCA and spring pocket is where all the stress is at.

Redtruck-VA · Oct 31, 2014

I may be wrong, but I think the different models share the same UCA. With different ball joints for the heavier models.

Passenger side steering knuckle help.

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