Need advice

[Gagewade3]

I have a 97 wrangler I have ordered a lot of front end parts to replace and was seeking advice on the order I should go about replacing. Jeep is not a daily driver so down time is not an issue. Thanks

Upper and lower spicer ball joints and axle U joints and axle seals
Timken hub assemblies
MOOG ZJ Drag link and Tie rod and tie rod ends
MOOG Tj track bar
Monroe Steering Dampener
MOOG Upper and lower control arms
MOOG Sway bar links

 

[kincaid.0678]

I personally would do the axle u joints, ball joints, and unit bearings at one time since you have to remove the unit bearing to get to the other two. I would do the rest of the steering setup at the same time as well. If you’re talking about inner axle seals that is a job in itself but would be best to do when you have the axles out already. If you’re talking about outer seals they’re a lot easier but have to have the unit bearing off anyways.

 

[Foxhound67]

I just did most of this a few days ago, some things I learned:
If you're replacing the tie rod and plan to do the inner seals (requires removing the carrier) then remove it first and leave it off so it isn't in your way when you remove the diff.
Like @kincaid.0678 said, do the ujoints/ball joints/unit bearings at the same time since you have to remove all of it to swap ball joints anyway.
If you are doing inner seals you might as well just pull the front axle since you're replacing everything, the only extra step I can see would be unbolting the front DS. Then you don't have to crawl under the vehicle to do the seals. It's a little thing, but it's nice.

 

[Gagewade3]

Thank you for the input and just going to do outer seals for now is there any particular order to go when doing the steering setup

 

[Jerry Bransford]

The front axle did not come with outer seals because it does not need or benefit from them.

 

[TheBoogieman]

just going to do outer seals for now

Dust cover.

 

[CreepinDeth]

I just did most of this a few days ago, some things I learned:
If you're replacing the tie rod and plan to do the inner seals (requires removing the carrier) then remove it first and leave it off so it isn't in your way when you remove the diff.
Like @kincaid.0678 said, do the ujoints/ball joints/unit bearings at the same time since you have to remove all of it to swap ball joints anyway.

Ok ya lost me here
Forgive my ignorance as Im not suspension savvy.

Im also trying to do a 100% overhaul on my high mileage steering & suspension. I got a newZJ HD
track bar,
drag link,
tie rod ends,
sway bar links,
Rancho 2.5” lift kit w/springs
Rancho shocks, & steering damper
upper and lower front & rear adj control arms.

I dont know what else Im missing besides Ball joints
What are the inner seals (axle seals?)
and theyre in the axle housings??

Anyone have a reference video they may be aboe to share??
I bought everything highlighted in this photo
Im starting this weekend and wanna do it all the first time around

 

[97JadeTJ]

Ok ya lost me here
Forgive my ignorance as Im not suspension savvy.

Im trying to do a 100% overhaul on my high mileage suspension. I got a new
HD ZJ track bar,
drag link,
tie rod ends,
sway bar links,
Rancho 2.5” lift kit w/springs
Rancho shocks,
upper and lower front & rear adj control arms.

I dont know what else Im missing besides Ball joints

I bought everything highlighted in this photo
View attachment 448917

Axle ujoints https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009X1XDZG/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Hub bearing assembly. https://www.amazon.com/Timken-513084-Axle-Bearing-Assembly/dp/B000BZ4ZZU/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1691770641&s=automotive&sr=1-4&vehicle=1997-42-356-141--30--8-3330-254-1-2-1768-83-1&vehicleName=1997+Jeep+Wrangler

 

[Foxhound67]

Ok ya lost me here
Forgive my ignorance as Im not suspension savvy.

Im trying to do a 100% overhaul on my high mileage suspension. I got a new
HD ZJ track bar,
drag link,
tie rod ends,
sway bar links,
Rancho 2.5” lift kit w/springs
Rancho shocks,
upper and lower front & rear adj control arms.

I dont know what else Im missing besides Ball joints

I bought everything highlighted in this photo
View attachment 448917

If your ball joints aren't bad you could leave them, I did mine because I was doing a regear/locker install and was in there anyway. Seems like you got all the suspension. If you decide to do ball joints, it's sooo worth getting the OTC tool and Jeep adapter. I know some people say they make it work with the generic universal tool where they stack a washer here and then do a handstand while scratching their left nut but I'd rather just put the correct cup on top and bottom and turn the rod.

 

[CreepinDeth]

If your ball joints aren't bad you could leave them, I did mine because I was doing a regear/locker install and was in there anyway. Seems like you got all the suspension. If you decide to do ball joints, it's sooo worth getting the OTC tool and Jeep adapter. I know some people say they make it work with the generic universal tool where they stack a washer here and then do a handstand while scratching their left nut but I'd rather just put the correct cup on top and bottom and turn the rod.

I appreciate it
My brother is a service manager of a repair shop so Im HOPING he does have the correct ones. If not, I may see if the auto parts stores rent it out.

If all options fail, I will buy

 

[Foxhound67]

^^^ Axle u-joints and unit bearings are another good swap while you're in there, but again if yours are good you can leave them. I'm that person that says "might as well since I'm here".

 

[CreepinDeth]

Im the same
If Im doing it all, Im doing it all
No questions loomin in my head later

My goal is to make this Jeep as new as humanly feasible for my son when he gets it. Likely doin all new fuel and SS brake lines later also if they exist

Axle ujoints https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009X1XDZG/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Hub bearing assembly. https://www.amazon.com/Timken-513084-Axle-Bearing-Assembly/dp/B000BZ4ZZU/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1691770641&s=automotive&sr=1-4&vehicle=1997-42-356-141--30--8-3330-254-1-2-1768-83-1&vehicleName=1997+Jeep+Wrangler

Thank you
Damn those hubs are inexpensive!!!!
All my GMs were $100 ea as far back as 15+ years ago

 

[97JadeTJ]

I replaced

^^^ Axle u-joints and unit bearings are another good swap while you're in there, but again if yours are good you can leave them. I'm that person that says "might as well since I'm here".

i just rebuilt my front end this past week…

Thank you
Damn those hubs are inexpensive!!!!
All my GMs were $100 ea as far back as 15+ years ago

I’ll probably get flamed but Ive had good luck with Detroit Axle and half the price…. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HHGTCS6/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Foxhound67]

I used these Timken unit bearings, $70 right now:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BZAF36/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Edit, just realized the link you posted was for 2 bearings, not each. $98 is cheap. If they work, send it, Timken just gives me a warm fuzzy, been using their bearings in any application where I've needed one for 10+ years with zero failures, whether it be axle bearings, carrier/pinion, etc

 

[97JadeTJ]

If your ball joints aren't bad you could leave them, I did mine because I was doing a regear/locker install and was in there anyway. Seems like you got all the suspension. If you decide to do ball joints, it's sooo worth getting the OTC tool and Jeep adapter. I know some people say they make it work with the generic universal tool where they stack a washer here and then do a handstand while scratching their left nut but I'd rather just put the correct cup on top and bottom and turn the rod.

I just did my 2nd set of ball joints on using the harbor freight generic set… I promise you the next set I will have the Jeep adapter set… I’m cheap and didn’t want to spend the $40…

 

[Foxhound67]

What are the inner seals (axle seals?)
and theyre in the axle housings?

The axle seals on a dana 30 are right next to the carrier just outboard of the carrier bearings. In contrast, the Dana 35 has the seals on the end of the axle tube just behind the brake assembly. On the 30 they're commonly referred to as "inner seals" because of where they are, but there are no outer seals, just a plastic disc that's a dust shield which isn't important or even required.

 

[97JadeTJ]

Edit, just realized the link you posted was for 2 bearings, not each. $98 is cheap

Yea… but Amazon says they won’t work on my 97 for some reason…

 

[Foxhound67]

Yea… but Amazon says they won’t work on my 97 for some reason…

I linked the late 99-06 version for Creepins 03. You would use the earlier version.

 

[Foxhound67]

97-early 99 version
Timken 513084 Axle Bearing and Hub Assembly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BZ4ZZU/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Gagewade3]

97-early 99 version
Timken 513084 Axle Bearing and Hub Assembly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BZ4ZZU/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Just realized I ordered HA597449 Do you have any idea if these will work and the outer seal I was referring to is MG21103 Dana 30/44 Front Axle Tube Seal Pair Fit For Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001 / Grand Cherokee 1984-2001 / TJ 1997-2006 / Wrangler 1987-2018 (Except 1996) (2PCS Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082F4KNMS/?tag=wranglerorg-20