Special Tools

J 8001 Dial Indicator or Suitable Dial Indicator

Upper Ball Joint Inspection

Note: 

•	The vehicle must rest on a level surface.

•	The vehicle must be stable. Do not rock the vehicle on the floor stands.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace the ball joint. Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement or Upper Control Arm Replacement.
3. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise suspension to just below the ride height.
4. Install the J 8001 or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure the vertical lash in ball joint.

Caution: Do not pry between the lower arm and the wheel drive shaft boot or in such a manner that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the wheel drive shaft boot will result (4WD).

5. Apply downward force to the upper control arm and zero the indicator.
6. Apply upward force to the upper control arm and check the dial indicator.
7. If the dial indicator reading is more than 1.524 mm (0.060 in), replace the upper ball joint. Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement or Upper Control Arm Replacement.

Lower Ball Joint Inspection

Note: 

•	The vehicle must rest on a level surface.

•	The vehicle must be stable. Do not rock the vehicle on the floor stands.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace the ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement or Lower Control Arm Replacement.
3. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise suspension to just below the ride height.
4. Install the J 8001 or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure the vertical lash in ball joint.

Caution: Do not pry between the lower arm and the wheel drive shaft boot or in such a manner that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the wheel drive shaft boot will result (4WD).

5. Gently lift or pry the suspension to induce the ball joint movement.
6. If the dial indicator reading is more than 1.524 mm (0.060 in), replace the lower ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement or Lower Control Arm Replacement.