How to install Dyantrac HD Ball Joints in Jeep Wrangler JL

[@anfwrestlr]

Clint, Great video, Dynatracs going in this weekend, appreciate the walkthrough.

[@thelegendbullet937]

Thank you so much for all your videos sir! I've been really disappointed with my JLU Rubicon's steering stability and responsiveness and have been looking at things to remedy that, particularly before considering bigger rubber on my wheels. Your videos of all the front end work you've done have given me so much insight on what I can do to correct these issues. You're a real blessing. Thank you for your past and continued services to the people!

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Wow! That was the most complimentary comment I've ever had, LOL!! Thank you! I'm extremely happy that my vids are helpful and useful to viewers like yourself. Now, it's a shame that the off roading flagship of the Jeep brand (the Rubicon), has SO many deficiencies from the factory. Hopefully, they'll address the issues in the future and new owners won't have to deal with the issues that we did when the JL's first came out. Thanks for watching. We appreciate the support!!🤘🏻

[@kikoprice]

Thanks for making this video. Just bought my Dynatrac ball joints and going 1 step further, Reid steering knuckles.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Yeah the steel knuckles are on the "to do" list, LOL! But, I've been working on the ole lady's TJ the last couple months and NAPALM has been neglected. Glad you liked the vid. Thanks for watching and the comment!!🤘🏻

[@randygriffin9266]

You did such a great Job on this . Watched it two times . Then put mine in with no problems at all . Thank you so much for the video nothing like learning from someone that knows what in the hell is really on . Thank you so much

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Glad the video was helpful! Thanks for watching and the compliment! 🤘🏻

[@OffroadChefs]

I just purchased this dince im doing some brake job might as well do the ball joints as well as i have some bumpsteer and 43K miles on the OEM with 37’s ever since. So yeah thanks for the great video man. God dang!!!! Alrighttt 😁

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

That's great, man!! I think you'll be WAY more than happy with these! Appreciate the support, man!👊🏻👍🏻🤘🏻

[@Spanked78]

Great video! I just replaced mine and my experience was the same. The entire process was relatively easy, but I couldn't get the snap rings on for the life of me.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Yup! I ended up borrowing my son's, LOL! He has some heavy duty Snap-On pliers. Got them on in about 6.4 seconds.🤣🤣🤣

[@kennethschuessler3390]

I really hope you are getting some sort of check from KZbin. Your videos are so well done. You are authentic and you don't mince words in a world that has so many people in eggshells. You remind me of my father, which is nice. Keep up the great work. Subscribed for sure! Oh, also ordered these ball joints. Going to put them on with the Currie High steer kit that comes with their cast iron knuckles. I had just a touch of wobble this morning and I'm jumping on it before it gets bad.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Dude, I SO appreciate the kind words!!! Glad you see my channel the way I intended it to be seen. Unfortunately, no I am NOT getting a check from KZbin. I have all the criteria met for monetization. But, for SOME unknown reason, I can't get monetized. Don't care. I do these vids for folks like you, who appreciate straight forward, no bullshit info. If you wanna see unattractive ladies in crop tops and yoga pants....go somewhere else.😂😂😂 Thanks for watching and the comment! 🤘

[@raymondchagnon]

ThNx bro....great video....ready to do the job this weekend!!

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Hell yeah!!🤘🏻

[@BluePrintLab101]

I definitely need to upgrade mine. Great video and welcome back!

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Glad you liked the vid! Yeah, these joints are a MAJOR improvement. 🤘🏻

[@TrailAdventuresTV]

This was great! I learned a lot. Thanks, Clint.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Glad it was helpful! 👍🏻🤘🏻

[@alphaartisan]

@@ShockWaveOffroad tremendously, not only did you break it down. Step by step but I got a good idea of what tools I will need to do the job.

[@TaskForceOffroad]

Killed the video man keep it up i need a set of these to go with the drag link and tie rod i just got!

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Yes sir, since you're gonna have it all apart anyway. Big difference.

[@kevinlong7650]

Mamba got these yesterday. Way better than the Upgraded Dana.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

True story, bro!!💪🏻

[@joshharrell6432]

The baby crying was a nice touch, Pete’s back now. Unfortunately I had to go back with OEM balljoints as that all I could find local to Windrock.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

LOL, Pete was in pain, bruh!! I thought you might like that. Good thing is, you got out and got home. Thanks for letting me use Pete!👊🏻

[@joshharrell6432]

Project Napalm JL no problem, glad to be of service. Great video

[@jlopes68]

I tried to hold out for these or synergy but niether were ready when i was. Hopefully these are available the next round.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

I waited longer than I should've. I had a 2 week lead on these. Not too bad, considering I'm STILL waiting for my RCV's to ship.🙄

[@jlopes68]

@@ShockWaveOffroad lol i tried to order rcv's but they took two days to get back to me so Yukon won out. I had wobble really bad and had to put on a stabilizer just to make it home from Reno. Stabilizer was removed again as soon as the new ball joints were pressed. I love it without the stabilizer. It was hard to put it on again lol

[@jthor8373]

So these are rebuildable but non-adjustable. In your opinion is the lack of adjustability a con or is it really not necessary?

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

I've never seen adjustable ball joints. Doesn't mean they don't exist, just means I've never seen them. Can't even imagine how they would adjust in a manner that would be useful.🤔

[@Intentsrig]

Installed these yesterday. Two of mine made a fairly loud popping noise when they went in. All seems good tho! And snap rings are on but I needed bigger snap ring pliers (2”) spread.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Yeah, they will sometimes pop. If you use a thin layer of anti-sieze or grease, it helps. I ended up buying larger snap ring pliers, too! I feel like it wouldn't have made any difference, but (I) knew they were supposed to be on, LOL! Glad all is well. Hope this vid helped. Appreciate the comment!!👍🏻👊🏻🤘🏻

[@Intentsrig]

Project Napalm JL Yeah I went with anti-seize as well. Thanks for the video!

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

great instructional friend. I want a set of these..... but like u said,,,, they dragged their butts getting em out...

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Yeah, I was just about to order the Spicers when these became available. Appreciate the support, bro!

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Project Napalm JL I emailed them like 3 times... they never responded... ordered the dana ones and they released these like 2 weeks later...

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Yeah, it seems communication isn't real high on anyone's list of priorities anymore.

[@randygriffin9266]

P.s. I gave you a sub and have watched a few of your videos great stuff thank you sir. Randy

[@gooseberry769]

1 year and 4 month and these suckers are worn out on the passenger side . I did 2 trails only over that period. Dynatrac refused to warranty them

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Whoa!! First time I've heard of these failing. I've had mine almost 4 yrs now. Curious to hear why they wouldn't warranty them. Thanks for the info!

[@gooseberry769]

@@ShockWaveOffroad they have only 1-yr warranty.

[@slackers_unite]

The crying baby is hilarious😂😂😂

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍🏻🤘🏻

[@jc10032]

Great video...thank you

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and the comment! 🤘🏻

[@robo5972]

Any advice on how to remove stripped rotor retaining bolts? Mine stripped when trying to remove and now I can’t take the rotors off on both sides! Ugh!!!

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Damn, dude. That sucks!! So, the only thing I can think of is either drilling out the center and using an easy out, or using a reverse drill bit and an impact driver.

[@robo5972]

@@ShockWaveOffroad yeah that’s what I was thinking too... they either over torqued them at the factory or seized up. Was hoping to get all this work done on this long weekend but now have to wait for replacement bolts to come so I can drill these bolts out... down side of daily driver Jeep! Thanks for the quick reply!

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

@@robo5972 Hate it for you, man. I'm inclined to think they were seized up. When you put the new ones in, use a little anti-seize on the bolts and torque them to spec. You won't have that problem next time you take it apart for new brakes or whatever.

[@frankbleigh9620]

Did you need to get any alignment after the install

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

No, I did not. In (MY) opinion, since the adjustment of the tie rod and drag link were not changed, I didn't feel it necessary. But, if you feel better about it, it won't hurt.👍🏻

[@billbarker3715]

Loved the video. But i have to ask how are the ball joints holding up? These are the ones i chosen to order and I will wait to see what your opinion is. Anyway thanks for a great video here and look forward to what you think

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Still rolling on the same ball joints with no rebuild, and I'm on 37's. To some, it's a price shock at first, but when you campare $600 initially, then $150 to rebuild versus $400 EVERY time you replace ball joints..... Seems obvious to ME.🤷‍♂️ So glad you enjoyed the vid. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🤘🏻

[@billbarker3715]

Thanks

[@kirbytheap]

I noticed that you still have the aluminum steering gearing box. There is an updated gear box for the JLs if you do have any looseness in the steering. The dealership installed mine a few weeks ago and there is zero play in my steering.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

I had heard about it, but was unclear whether it was a recall item or not. I will look into it, tho. Thanks for the tip!👍🏻

[@kirbytheap]

Project Napalm JL It’s not a recall but it’s definitely worth pressuring your dealership to replace it. My steering wasn’t too bad and the dealership new nothing about a new gear box. I made contact with FCA and it was smooth sailing from there.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Right on!👍🏻

[@greeneyes76lkn]

GREAT VIDEO Thank you sir

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🤘🏻

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

baby crying, lol nice touch

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

I thought it would be amusing.😏😉

[@johnduncan9164]

Great video. 👍 The plan is to do the same as you with the Rusty’s steering system and the dyna trac ball joints. Budget only allows one of the two at this time. Which one would you do first..... drag link/tie rod or ball joints? Which one gave you more consistent feel in the steering or most improved steering feel? Thank you!!

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Without a second thought, BALL JOINTS FIRST!!! They made the most difference in the steering, even after I'd done all the other stuff. I waited forever for them to become available. Well worth the wait!! Glad you liked the vid, and yes, budget and build don't always agree. But, I've found it's better to wait and save for quality components. You'll end up spending less in the long run and only doing it once. Thanks for watching and the question! 👍🏻🤘🏻

[@gregbisesi9966]

Lol did it once and would pay someone to do it next time. Hopefully the synergy joints I installed will last. Ball joints Gotta be my least favorite repair. 🤣

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Nah, these weren't too bad. I've done worse.

[@gregbisesi9966]

@@ShockWaveOffroad it was the angle on the uppers that I couldn’t get the press to seat properly. I didn’t want to get the ball joints started at a bad angle and get them jammed. Especially since the Synergy are splined. Finally a guy in the Jeep club gave me a one of the press adapters that he had cut with that slight angle that easily did the trick.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

@@gregbisesi9966 Having the right tools makes all the difference! 👍🏻🤘🏻

[@NYC-WRX]

Great job

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Thanks buddy!👊🏻🤘🏻

[@David-yy7lb]

Famous last word....I don't think there go anywhere

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

😂😂😂😂True Dat!! For full disclosure, I DID go back within the next week and install the snap rings on the top. I just had to get a MUCH larger and beefier set of snap ring pliers. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🤘🏻

[@David-yy7lb]

@@ShockWaveOffroad 👍🏿

[@BennyTygohome]

would it be good time replacibg the aluminum knuckles with steel? I'm wondering if may be the aluminum knuckles are causing the premature balljoint failures from aluminum being wollowed out from hard wheeling, causing balljoint to loosen it fall out of knuckle. Although your balljoint when removing with press tool.were in there pretty tight

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Meh, I've not had any issue with MY knuckles, and as you said, the OEM ball joints were tight (even having had them out once already). I know a guy who busted one of his knuckles while wheeling, and he has replaced them with Reid Racing steel knuckles. As for me, personally, I don't think it's worth it. But, it depends on where, and how hard you wheel. I'm a slow crawler and not a "send it" kinda guy. So, I'd say it's up to you. You can never have too much beef, tho! 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for watching and the comment! 🤘🏻

[@alphaartisan]

Great video, subd

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Thank you, glad you liked it!🤘🏻

[@davidtwa6265]

So your telling me ya got these bad to the bone ball joints that are gonna be super strong and they'll be even stronger than your cast aluminum steering knuckles... buy a set of Reids racing knuckle so you don't brake your ball joints or atleast damage them when the cast aluminum knuckle breaks

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Ok, you're right about that, LOL! The cast aluminum knuckles are now the weak spot. That's what happens every time you replace one part, another one becomes the weak spot. But, this video was meant to show how ridiculously weak the OEM ball joints are, which is a major contributing factor in the JL's sloppy steering. That said, steel knuckles are on the list! I only know of one broken JL knuckle, and that ole boy was on 40's and beating the shit out of his Jeep. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🤘🏻

[@davidtwa6265]

I actually just broke my knuckle on a stock jeep in deep silty type snow I don't think it necessarily was a good idea to put cast aluminum knuckles on the jeep just keep it cast iron... anyways it was a good video but your definitely right on getting rid of them knuckles they also can contribute to lose steering issues where the holes for both tie rod ends and ball joints get worn out generally from larger tires but if your lookin for 37+ in my opinion ditch the aluminum knuckles asap

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

@David Twa Yup. I've got to finish my driveline first, rear shafts and driveshafts. Then knuckles will be my next priority. 🤘🏻

[@davidtwa6265]

Hell yeah I will say though them knuckles are spendy I'm gonna hopefully be recovering my jeep today😂 and trying to get it home possibly not 100% sure what the outcome will be

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

@@davidtwa6265 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Good luck!!!👍🏻

[@leongorani5121]

So I have 35’s with -44 offset wheels. I planned on doing these ball joints with the 2.5 ton RPM steering kit both drag and tie rod. I was told these ball joints would make the steering not turn back to center as easy as stock ball joints, should I still do these dynatrac ball joints? I have death wobble and loose steering. Awesome video thanks!

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Whoever told you these ball joints "won't let your steering return to center as easily" is one of 2 things. Either an idiot, or someone whose front end is not aligned properly. I have NO association with Dynatrac and I get NO kickbacks from this video. Buy these joints. Thanks for watching and the question! 🤘🏻

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Also....there are SEVERAL things that CAN cause "Death Wobble." That said, upgrading the junk OEM ball joints is a great start. If the condition persists after install of THESE joints, don't hesitate to reach out.

[@leongorani5121]

@@ShockWaveOffroad yeah they said it wouldn’t be as smooth to return to center, not sure why they said that lol. Yup I am going to do these and the rpm steering kit, so I should be good to go with no death wobble, I appreciate the reply! 👍🤘

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

@@leongorani5121 10/4!

[@StormbornJKU]

Geez! That price point though. $630? That’s rough.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Yeah, it's pretty tough to get over that. But, if they last, it'll be worth it. Then when I (do) need to replace them, $150. I dunno, time will tell.

[@joshharrell6432]

Alex the OEM balljoints for the JL are $315 a side, so yeah $630 is high but a much better value than the same money for the OEM junk.

[@StormbornJKU]

@@joshharrell6432 didn’t realize they were that expensive for OEM. If that’s the case then yea they’re definitely worth it!

[@litoornelas6409]

Would you consider these for someone who is staying stock, daily driving?

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Yes, I would. Whether hard wheeling, or a bone stock pavement pounder, the OEM balljoints are complete trash. Even if you're not having any noticeable issues, you'll be able to tell a difference when you put a better quality ball joint on your Jeep. Especially if it's a JL. JK or TJ, unless you know you have a bad joint, I would leave them, but a JL, I would definitely replace them with something better. Thanks for watching and the question! 🤘🏻

[@mikesters3532]

Did you drain the axle fluid prior to starting this project?

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

No. Why would you?🤔

[@mikesters3532]

@@ShockWaveOffroad I wasn’t sure if there would be fluid loss when removing the axle shaft. Thanks!

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

@@mikesters3532 Nope!😁👍🏻

[@gregbisesi9966]

You’ll have a little drain into the axle tubes. After I did mine I had a few drops on garage floor the next day. Went over my buddies house parked in his driveway which sits at a slight angle sideways. Came out and had a differential fluid stain on his nice concrete driveway the size of a coffee can lid. Lol his wife was none too happy about that.😬 That’s the nice thing about ARB diff covers you can top off your fluid. So put some plastic under the front tires for a few days and stay off your buddies driveways.

[@williamh6547]

How are you liking the ball joints after ten months? Did you have to adjust them, still tight? Etc, . Thinking about getting some for my Rubicon, just want to know what you think since you've had them awhile.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!!!!!!! Now that they're available, should be a JL owner's FIRST mod! 🤘🏻

[@williamh6547]

@@ShockWaveOffroad thanks, I will be getting mine soon then. 👍👍

[@zacharyfike1071]

I didnt know you worked for GY? At the Fayetteville plant?

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Yup. Shhhh....🤫🤫 😉😉

[@zacharyfike1071]

@@ShockWaveOffroad I worked there from 2014 to 2016 as a specialist. Also what balljoint press is that?

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Nice! I started my career at the Union City, TN plant, way back in the 90's. Transfered here when it closed. Just a few more years and I'm outta here!!😎 Here's the link to the press I have. www.ebay.com/itm/373028056643

[@zacharyfike1071]

@@ShockWaveOffroad Do you know a guy from Union City named Kevin Johnson? He was a manager that went to Corporate? If so i worked for him for awhile in Akron before taking a job in Fayettenam. I know Derek Janes worked there also. He was my boss in Fayetteville.

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

@@zacharyfike1071 I think so! If it's the same guy, he was my supervisor in curing way back when.