I could use some help..
Had the ball joints replaced in my '07 JK with 2.5" Teraflex Lift. The shop tried several brands of lower ball joints but they were all loose in the lower right so they went with a ball joint for a 2006 because it fit (just for the lower right...the other 3 are the correct parts). They even called the local dealer to see if they had any ideas before going with the 2006 ball joint (NCP 260-1292 (NAP)). I believe they tried their best as they called me during the troubleshooting.

Well 4k miles later and that ball joint is shot.

Any idea why that lower right ball joint fit was bad to begin with?
Where do I go from here?

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

You'll probably need to find a set of ball joints that are knurled. Teraflex ball joints come in two flavors, one smooth and one knurled.

https://teraflex.com/shop_items/528f...d962f416e72ee0

Hope this helps.

 

Another vote for knurled

 

Dynatrac makes knurled and rebuildable.

 

From a earlier thread these will work in oversized holes.

 

Just curious what kind of ball joints you had them install. Were you just replacing with factory joints again? Did they tell you which brands they tried? I'm running the Dynatrac knurled version after several attempts to run at Synergy. Kinda stinks cuz the knurled version is $50 more than the already pricing non-knurled Dynatracs, or at least they were when I bought em.

 

Definitely sounds like that one hole was been enlarged by previous ball joint replacements, which would then require a knurled/oversized replacement so it would fit properly again. This is why we design our rebuildable ball joints so you don't have to press the housing out of and back into the C, eliminating that wear factor which can cause problems later on down the road. Feel free to give our tech line a call at 714-421-4314 if you need further help in finding a solution.

 

how do you like the ball joints? Any break in? I am on second set of synergy and want to replace again as they are horrible.

 

I am happy with my Dynatracs. I have never run across anyone else that has said they had a break in period with Dynatracs. Everyone I could find said they were great from day 1. I will say that I did INDEED had a break in period with mine, and that surprised me. That said, I think that most people installing these install a non-knurled version, and I think I just had a totally different experience with the knurled version. I almost really question if I could have gotten away with installing non-knurled Dyantracs following the knurled Synergys and been ok.

The problem is two fold -

First, replacing ball joints is a pain in the butt job, and I was looking at a 3rd install within a year, two of which were within the final month. At the time the jeep was my daily driver and I couldn't afford to have it out of commission while I effed around experimenting with non-knurled BJs.

Second, at $500 or more a pop, these really aren't something you can just experiment with willy nilly and then have to buy a different model.

I would be curious to hear what Dynatrac has to say about installing non-kurned Dynatracs after knurled Synergys. Again, I almost think they'd be ok. The knurled version I installed had about the same break in that I experienced with Synergy. I will say their customer service assured me they wanted me to be happy with the product and if they didn't get better to let them know.

My steering is fine in regards to driving. It's not that tight "flighty" constant correction or anything; however, when my jeep is on a lift, it's still really hard to just take your hands and cycle the steering manually. I knew someone that installed Rare Parts on theirs and their steering seemed a lot more appropriate. RP was very clear it should only take, IIRC, 12 inch pounds.....yes, INCH pounds, or so to turn that steering knuckle. That isn't a lot of force at all. You really have to throw some muscle in to turning my wheels by hand when it's lifted on the ground.

I would again say that I am generally happy with the product overall. If I had to do it over again, I would talk to the Dynatrac folks on the phone and take their reccomendation on which model to install. IIRC, when I went through the ordeal, I was super pissed off about my situation, it was a friday night, and I was impatient getting something ordered so I just pulled the trigger on the purchase. That was maybe 18 months or so ago.

That was probably a really long winded response, but considering the lack of Dynatrac commentary out there, I thought I'd share it all.

 

Truly appreciate the feedback! I enjoy reading honest reviews. Thanks for your time!