Ball Joint Nut Question

[Goodie]

'80SC ball joint nut...how do you tighten it? Obviously there's a special socket to fit the four cut-outs, but is there any other method?
Also, I believe it calls for a torque of qround 180 ft lbs. Locktite? Confirm please?
Thanks for your suggestions!

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by Goodie

'80SC ball joint nut...how do you tighten it? Obviously there's a special socket to fit the four cut-outs, but is there any other method?
Also, I believe it calls for a torque of qround 180 ft lbs. Locktite? Confirm please?
Thanks for your suggestions!

The factory tool or your home made version (large socket + careful grinding) - but no other method I know of to get the right torque. Locktite cannot hurt, but not to be used as a substitute for the correct torque. You do not want this part to give way!

[mspirito]

Use the search function

[pete3799]

A dodge (mine was for a 1986 year) 4x4 front axle nut socket sort of fits(mine kept slipping off) but the real deal sold by our host works a lot better.
I didn't use locktite on mine.

[dshepp806]

There does exist a special tool for the nut,......just used one recently (from our host),..but was (unfortunately) set back at a mechanic's attempt at removal, using the tool, under air pressure...didn't take long to grind the keys off,......it truly IS an install-only tool....yet I've not yet tried it.....I have , however, used a damned pipe wrench with one helluva' extension,..on the removal AND install,........calling it a day,..swearing that I'd have it properly checked when she's in for some upcoming work at the professional wrenches' hands,..taking time to "mark" the castlenut position with both white-out and sharpie,..allowing me to "see" if any movements exist. I do belive my torque (1989) is spec'd at 185 ft-lbs.

Best!

Doyle