tips for Johnny Joint reinstallation?

What Rd

What Rd

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Athens, IL
I'd heard this would be a PITA, so no big surprise. But DAMN!
:eek: :confused:
Anybody have any tips, tricks, or words of wisdom regarding how to get the new bushings compressed in enough to reseat the snap ring? I have an idea about using two appropriately-sized pieces of pipe and a large c-clamp to compress the innards, but will have to find the right parts to make it work. Anybody have experience that'll save me some experimentation?
btw: I already tried using my axle nut socket and a BFH, but I need compression I can hold rather than an impact like that.
So - what's the secret?
 
Thats why I love the RE ends!I found that a press was the only thing that could hold it all together long enough and steady enough to get the snap ring in!And it isnt ajustable!
 
The trick is to use a bench vice & 2ea 1" pieces of 1.5" x .120 wall tubing (or similar). You put the tubing on each end of the JJ against the washers & compress in the vice. You'll be able to remove the snap ring easily. Use the same process for re-assembly. You gotta be smarter than the joint! And Phx, when your RE joints fall apart from vibration you'll eat those words. :)
 
Vintagespeed - sounds just like what I had in mind, only using the vise is a much better idea than my c-clamp musings. Thanx - I'll be hunting up some tubing tomorrow.
RCP - thanx, really. But keep in mind the fact that those RE joints are screwed from day one!
:wink:
 
I use either the vise or my ball joint press. As you found out, you'll never do it with a hammer.
 
Ok, since the original question has been answered, it's time for the hi-jacking this thread has wanted since the beginning:D

What is everyone's problem with the RE joints? They're rebuildable, you can tighten them down as the poly wears out, they have a set screw to keep them from coming loose. I've been running RE joints for over a year now in my front end, with no problems whatsoever. I bought the arms used(uppers and lowers) and rebuilt them just for good measure and they were worn inside, but not terribly and they were still nice and tight. I'm just curious about why everyone is baggin on the RE stuff, maybe you're just jealous.:anon:

Ary
 
I didn't know enough about the RE joint when I bought my JJs. If I knew then what I know now, I'd have bought the RE joints. I like the ability to tighten them as they wear.
 
I have a harbor freight U-joint/ball joint tool. That is what i used. I was just about ready to go use a friends press.
 
I ran ORGS upper & lower arms for quite about 3 years worth of really hard wheeling and never wore them whatsoever. When I decided to build my own arms for the 3 link, I went with what works......JJs. Everything else is just a copy of the original, I didn't want to skimp.
 
"Imitation is a form of flattery" especially when its better than the original!
 
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