MTFCA Forum

I took of my crankcase service cover today and also removeD my front suspension ball joint to get better clearance for the pan to come out but now that I am done and have put the cover back on, the ball won’t seat all the way and the cap cannot be bolted back on with the springs.

Any solution is appreciated, Jacob Mangold

Just give the front axle a gentle pull or shove, which ever way you need to coax the ball back to where it belongs

Have someone push on the front axle towards the firewall while you're underneath to line up the radius rod connection to the crankcase... If the radius rod goes further back of the connector on the crankcase just have someone pull on the front axle a bit so it lines up. The spring mounting bushings or shackles may have a lot of play in them that would give extra sloppiness in the suspension.

If you are by yourself, you can use some long ratchet tie down straps front to rear axles on both sides.

A big pipe wrench and an old leather glove….Wrap the glove top down on the middle of the front axle. Adjust the pipe wrench onto the glove. Have your wife or another heavy person press down on the handle while you’re guiding the wishbone ball into the socket

I used my wheel chock positioned behind the front tire then pulled the T forward and moving/keeping the chock against the tire until the ball joint on the wishbone seats in the socket of the pan.

I was able to get it with a combination of the ways. I put the 2 ratchet straps on and got them as tight as I could and then put a glove and a big pipe wrench on the front end and the jumped on it. I heard a pop and got under the truck and sure enough, the ball was seated.

Thanks, Jacob Mangold

George,
"Have your wife or other heavy person push down on the handle"?
Craig.